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Growth hormone secretion timing in depression: clinical outcome comparisons
B Franz1, D J Kupfer, J M Miewald
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) secretion patterns before sleep and during the night can predict depression treatment outcomes. Imipramine improved the GH ratio, with better outcomes linked to a larger GH ratio increase.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Recurrent depression poses significant challenges for long-term treatment.
- Growth hormone (GH) secretion is linked to sleep and mood regulation.
- Understanding GH secretion patterns may offer insights into treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between GH secretion timing and treatment outcomes in women with recurrent depression.
- To assess the impact of imipramine on GH secretion patterns.
Main Methods:
- GH secretion was measured in the pre-sleep period and first half of the night in healthy women and women with recurrent depression.
- Participants underwent a 3-year maintenance therapy study with random assignment to active drug or drug-free groups.
- Subgroups were formed based on treatment assignment and recurrence status.
Main Results:
- Imipramine administration increased the GH ratio across all patient subgroups.
- Individuals who completed the study in remission showed a significantly greater imipramine-induced increase in the GH ratio compared to those who relapsed.
- The timing of GH secretion relative to sleep onset correlated with treatment outcome, irrespective of medication status.
Conclusions:
- GH secretion dynamics, particularly its timing relative to sleep, serve as a potential biomarker for predicting treatment response in recurrent depression.
- Imipramine's positive effect on the GH ratio is associated with successful treatment outcomes.