Abnormally high cortisol levels?!


Question: I have been undergoing test for the past year to establish my cortisol levels. So far the NHS have managed to 'lose' two of my urine samples, and messed up two blood tests (which were f***ing sore!!) I believe I have suffered from depersonalization for about 8 years, but my GP doesn't seem to understand me. In the past she put it all down to low blood sugar and anaemia - which I don't have. She has pushed me into taking prozac for my depression - which made everything worse. Help!

Does anyone have any useful information on the relationship between excessive cortisol levels and depression/depersonalization?? Thanks.


Answers: I have been undergoing test for the past year to establish my cortisol levels. So far the NHS have managed to 'lose' two of my urine samples, and messed up two blood tests (which were f***ing sore!!) I believe I have suffered from depersonalization for about 8 years, but my GP doesn't seem to understand me. In the past she put it all down to low blood sugar and anaemia - which I don't have. She has pushed me into taking prozac for my depression - which made everything worse. Help!

Does anyone have any useful information on the relationship between excessive cortisol levels and depression/depersonalization?? Thanks.

endocrine abnormalities are associated with mood disorders (an in Cushing syndrome, Addison dideasse, etc), but not always starightforward.
Cortisol, however is quite well known for being associated with depression: almost half of the patients suffering with depression have their corticol levels increased (but it occurs also in other mental disorders, like mania or schizophrenia and the change in the level is not simple the reaction to the stress of being ill)
actually, the only biochemical test available for mental ilness (it is not needed for diagnosis though) is suppression of cortisol secretion and the lack of such reaction is an indicator of depression.

the high levels of cortisol however are more likely to be signs of a physical illness, even if you've only experienced psychological symptoms. so it is worth ruling any physical illness out.

I haven't heard anything on the relationship between high level of cortisol and depresonalisation, however the feeling of 'depersonalisation' and high cortisol level may be parts of a more complex endocrine problems.

I don't have any medical knowledge, but I know from experience that anxiety and depression go hand in hand, and feed each other and that anxiety raises cortisol levels in the blood which in turn feed the anxiety. It's a roller coaster really.
I'd never heard of depersonalization - and now I've looked it up on Wikipedia and I realise that I suffered from it from time to time as a student (feelings of unreality - very weird) when I also suffered severe panic attacks and anxiety. I was medicated with beta blockers which calmed the panic attacks.
Treating depression would seem to be a sensible way of treating the anxiety, but as it's made it worse, you need to go straight back to your doctor. There are other antidepressants and prozac doesn't suit everybody.

As far as the relationship between depression and cortisol goes, here's what is known. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the body that regulates metabolism and blood pressure. It also plays a major role in the stress response, and has become known as "the stress hormone." During stress, our body enters a state of "fight or flight." This happens when some sort of sensory stimulus (e.g., thunder, traffic, a fight with your friend, etc.) triggers the brain. The brain perceives a threat, and activates the nervous and endocrine systems to prepare the body to quickly defend or flee. One physiological aspect of the fight or flight response is the release of cortisol. During physical and/or psychological stress, cortisol works to break down fatty acids to use for energy. Once the brain perceives the threat is gone, it sends signals to return the body to a state of calmness. With ongoing stress, however, the body is in a chronic state of stress, and the adrenal glands are constantly secreting cortisol. Too much cortisol is harmful. For example, excessive cortisol breaks down white blood cells, hindering the immune system. A surplus also increases the amount of free fatty acids in the arteries, which, over time, can lead to clogged arteries. In addition, the amount of cortisol secreted during stress varies from person to person





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories