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Plasma Cortisol and Depression in Pathological Gamblers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Luis F. Ramirez*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland
Richard A. McCormick
Affiliation:
Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center
Martin T. Lowy
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University of Medicine, Cleveland
*
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA

Abstract

Basal serum cortisol and dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results were studied in 21 pathological gamblers who varied on the Beck Depression Inventory and selected scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, which had previously been shown to be related to depression in gamblers. All subjects were suppressors on the DST. There was a significant relationship between fluctuation in 08.00 h and 16.00 h basal cortisol levels and the psychological measures, suggesting a subtype of pathological gambler with potential clinical significance.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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