Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Level Varies Nonlinearly with Symptom Severity in Major Depressive Disorder

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is still not well understood. Conflicting results for surrogate biomarkers in MDD have been reported, which might be a consequence of the heterogeneity of MDD patients. Therefore, we aim to investigate how the severity of depression and various symptom domains are related to the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-s) in MDD patients. METHODS: We recruited 117 subjects from a general practice. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depressive symptoms were divided into three subdomains according to BDI items; somatic symptoms, guilt and failure, and mood and inhibition. RESULTS: In subjects with very-mild-to-moderate depression, the DHEA-s level increased as BDI score did. However, the DHEA-s levels in the subjects with severe depression were significantly lower than in subjects with moderate depression (p=0.003). DHEA-s level was correlated with the BDI subscore for guilt and failure in very-mild-to-moderate depression (r=0.365, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: The DHEA-s level appears to be indicative of MDD severity with respect to depressive symptoms, especially regarding guilt and failure. Our findings suggest that the upregulation of DHEA-s may be a part of a compensatory process in very-mild-to-moderate depression, and the failure of this compensation mechanism may underlie the development of severe depression.

Relationship of Insight with Cognitive Function, Psychopathology and Psychosocial Factors in Patients with Schizophrenia / 대한정신분열병학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of insight with socio-demographic, clinical, and cognitive parameters in schizophrenic patients. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with schizophrenia were recruited. All subjects completed the Korean version of the revised Insight Scale of Psychosis (KISP) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Positive and Negative symptom scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Neurocognitive function tests were also administered. RESULTS: Patients that are married or currently living together showed significantly higher levels of insight than those who are divorced, separated, or single. Insight showed positive correlations with CDSS and emotional discomfort factor of PANSS. Insight also had negative correlations with age of onset and family, friend subscales of MSPSS. Total scores of PANSS and neurocognitive functions showed no significant correlations with insight. More severe depressive symptoms, lower perceived social support from friends and family, and younger age of onset were predictor of higher insight. CONCLUSION: The study suggest that impaired insight might be independent from general psychopathology and cognitive function and more influenced by emotional status and social environment.