Am J Psychiatry 1981; 138:650-653
Copyright © 1981 by American Psychiatric Association
Abnormalities of dexamethasone suppression test and urinary MHPG in anorexia nervosa
RH Gerner and HE Gwirtsman
Twenty-two patients with primary anorexia nervosa were assessed on
variables of weight, mood, dexamethasone suppression test, and 24-hour
urinary MHPG levels. Patients at less than 80% of their ideal weight had
abnormally high cortisol levels after the test and low MHPG levels,
regardless of their mood. The authors hypothesize that these abnormalities
are not due to depression associated with anorexia nervosa and that
decreased norepinephrine metabolism may be related to this illness.
