Abnormalities of dexamethasone suppression test and urinary MHPG in anorexia nervosa.

Abstract

Twenty-two patients with primary anorexia nervosa were assessed on variables of weight, mood, dexamethasone suppression test, and 24-hour urinary MHPG levels. Patients at less than 80% of their ideal weight had abnormally high cortisol levels after the test and low MHPG levels, regardless of their mood. The authors hypothesize that these abnormalities are not due to depression associated with anorexia nervosa and that decreased norepinephrine metabolism may be related to this illness.