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Lymphocyte numbers in endogenous depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Denis Murphy ,
Robert Gardner ,
John F. Greden  and
Bernard J. Carroll
Denis Murphy*
Affiliation:
Clinical Studies Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Robert Gardner
Affiliation:
Clinical Studies Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
John F. Greden
Affiliation:
Clinical Studies Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Bernard J. Carroll
Affiliation:
Clinical Studies Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
*
1Address for correspondence. Dr Denis Murphy, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF.
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Synopsis

The blood counts of 80 patients with depression were examined (50 unipolar, 30 bipolar). Many had reduced numbers of circulating lymphocytes. This abnormality was more common in the unipolar group (52%) than in the bipolar group (27%). When those patients with an abnormal dexamethasone suppression test response in both groups were compared, the relative and absolute lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in unipolars. Although cortisol hypersecretion may reduce lymphocyte numbers it is not yet clear whether the findings can be satisfactorily explained in this way.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , May 1987 , pp. 381 - 385
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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