The author obtained a longitudinal psychiatric history from 30 patients
with proven Cushing's syndrome. Twenty-five (83%) of the patients met
strict diagnostic criteria for an episode of affective disorder during the
course of their endocrine disturbance. Twenty patients met criteria for
endogenous depression and eight patients also reported an episode of mania
or hypomania. Schizophrenic syndromes were not evident, although two
patients met criteria for a psychotic depression. Patients frequently
attempted to minimize or conceal serious psychiatric disturbance, including
a suicide attempt. Typical affective syndromes occurred in patients with
adrenocortical tumors as well as in those with ACTH-dependent Cushing's
syndrome.Abstract Teaser