Adrenal cortical activity in manic patients: a revisit.

Abstract

Summary Data reported in this brief communication suggest that, despite pronounced manic behavior, morning urinary excretion levels of 17-OHCS was reduced. 24-hour urinary 17-OHCS value was subsequently lowered in six manic patients studied. Amplitude of the diurnal fall in the urinary 17-OHCS excretion levels was also slightly reduced but not significantly. These factors did not result in an absolute loss of the circadian curve of urinary 17-OHCS excretion. The possible role of sleep disturbances in mania in forming an abnormal circadian pattern of pituitary adrenal function is discussed.