Serum Levels of Neurosteroids in Patients with Affective Disorders

According modern biological hypotheses of the pathogenesis of affective disorders, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction play a special role in the pathogenesis of this condition. Our study shows that the range of neuroprotective neurosteroids is gender- and nosology-dependent. Patients with affective disorders have reduced levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; the most pronounced defi ciency of neuroprotective neurosteroids is typical of patients with a single depressive episode. Reduced levels of neurosteroids producing an anabolic effect probably indicate depletion of adaptive capacities of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal system in affective disorders.