Conference paper

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH CUSHING’S SYNDROME

Agnieszka Bratek ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland
Agnieszka Koźmin-Burzyńsk ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland
Eliza Górniak ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland
Krzysztof Krysta ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland

Abstract

Background: Cushing's syndrome is the term used to describe a set of symptoms associated with hypercortisolism, which in most
cases is caused by hypophysial microadenoma over-secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone. This endocrine disorder is often
associated with psychiatric comorbidities. The most important include mood disorders, psychotic disorders, cognitive dysfunctions
and anxiety disorders.
Subject and methods: The aim of this article was to review the prevalence, symptoms and consequences of psychiatric disorders
in the course of Cushing’s syndrome. We therefore performed a literature search using the following keywords: Cushing’s syndrome
and psychosis, Cushing’s syndrome and mental disorders, Cushing’s syndrome and depression, Cushing’s syndrome and anxiety.
Results: The most prevalent psychiatric comorbidity of Cushing’s syndrome is depression. Psychiatric manifestations can
precede the onset of full-blown Cushing’s syndrome and therefore be misdiagnosed. Despite the fact that treatment of the underlying
endocrine disease in most cases alleviates psychiatric symptoms, the loss of brain volume persists.
Conclusions: It is important to be alert to the symptoms of hypercortisolism in psychiatric patients to avoid misdiagnosis and
enable them receiving adequate treatment.

Keywords

Cushing’s syndrome; psychiatric disorders; depression; anxiety; psychosis

Hrčak ID:

264562

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/264562

Publication date:

8.9.2015.

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