Chronobiological hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis status and antidepressant outcome in major depression

Evolution before and after 2 weeks of antidepressant treatment of the difference between 2300 h and 0800 h maximum increments in thyrotropin (ΔΔTSH) according to 4 patterns: “normalization”, “reduced”, “normal”, “worsening”. Threshold for a reduced ΔΔTSH value < 2.5 mU/L. Circles represent subsequent remitters; triangles represent non-remitters (after 6 weeks of treatment). Comparisons by U test with Bonferroni's adjustment (for 5 pairwise comparisons), ††††p < 0.00001 vs. controls. Within-subject differences (between day 0 and day 14): ****p < 0.00001, by T test.