Diurnal variation of adrenocortical activity in chronic fatigue syndrome

MacHale, S.M., Cavanagh, J.T.O. , Bennie, J., Carroll, S., Goodwin, G.M. and Lawrie, S.M. (1998) Diurnal variation of adrenocortical activity in chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuropsychobiology, 38(4), pp. 213-217. (doi: 10.1159/000026543)

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Abstract

Baseline morning and evening serum cortisol and ACTH concentrations, and diurnal changes in hormone levels, were measured in 30 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) but without concurrent depressive disorder and a control group of 15 weight-, age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Morning cortisol levels were non-significantly lower in CFS patients, while evening levels were non-significantly higher. ACTH concentrations were non-significantly higher in both the morning and evening. The diurnal change in cortisol levels was significantly less in CFS than in controls (p < 0.05). In CFS subjects, evening levels of cortisol correlated significantly with measures of general health and physical functioning, while diurnal change in cortisol was positively correlated with measures of functional improvement over the past year and current social functioning. These results suggest that there is a relationship between adrenocortical function and disability in CFS, but do not reveal the causal connection.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cavanagh, Professor Jonathan
Authors: MacHale, S.M., Cavanagh, J.T.O., Bennie, J., Carroll, S., Goodwin, G.M., and Lawrie, S.M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Neuropsychobiology
Publisher:S. Karger AG
ISSN:0302-282X
ISSN (Online):1423-0224

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