Low Plasma β-Endorphin in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

We compared serum cortisol, ACTH and plasma P-endorphin in 21 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder patients and 20 controls. Although we found no important disturbance in diurnal rhythms, the PTSD patients had significantly higher A.M. serum cortisols compared with controls. Both A.M. and P.M. plasma P-endorphins in PTSD patients were significantly lower compared with controls. These data suggest that plasma P-endorphin may be a marker for PTSD and that chronic endogenous opioid depletion may play a role in the pathogenesis and perpetuation of this disorder.