Social support and enhanced suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol responses to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal function and thyrotropin-releasing hormone tests in patients with major depressive disorder

The results of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test and the combined dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (DEX/CRH) test are believed to correlate with social support status in patients with major depressive disorder. We studied 41 consecutive patients hospitalized for major depressive disorder and tested their responses to DEX/CRH and TRH on hospital days 4–7. ΔMAX TSH and ΔMAX cortisol were measured. Multiple regression analysis found that social support questionnaire (SSQ-A) and SSQ-B scores were significantly related to ΔMAX cortisol and ΔMAX TSH, respectively, at the time of admission. Social support might contribute partially to the TRH and DEX/CRH test results in patients with major depressive disorder.