Effects of Estrogen Therapy on Plasma MAO Activity and EEG Driving Responses of Depressed Women
EDWARD L. KLAIBER M.D.1,
DONALD M. BROVERMAN PH.D.2,
WILLIAM VOGEL PH.D.3,
YUTAKA KOBAYASHI PH.D.1, , and
DAVID MORIARTY M.D.4
1 Senior Scientist at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, 222 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, Mass. 01545
2 Director of the Psychology Department, Worcester State Hospital
3 Clinical Psychologist, Worcester State Hospital
4 Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Mass.
The authors report that premenopausal depressed women with regular menstrual cycles have higher levels of plasma MAO activity and greater EEG responses to photic stimulation than do nondepressed women. These abnormalities are interpreted as evidence of adrenergic insufficiency. Oral conjugated estrogen therapy moved both indices toward normal levels. Although the study did not attempt to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the estrogen therapy, the patients reported improvement in their mental status.
