CEREBRAL VENTRICULAR SIZE IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER - ASSOCIATION WITH DELUSIONAL SYMPTOMS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 18  (3) , 329-336
Abstract
Computerized tomograms (CT scans) and neuroendocrine challenges (TRH stimulation test and dexamethasone suppression test) were completed in 38 melancholic depressed hospitalized patients. There were no significant differences in ventricular size between delusional and nondelusional depressive and nondelusional depressives. Of 20 delusional depressives, 5 (25%) in contrast to one of 18 nondelusional depressives had ventricular brain ratios > 2 D from the mean of 26 neurological controls. There were no demographic, clinical or neuroendocrine differences between patients with enlarged ventricles and those with normal CT scans. Of 5 patients with large ventricles, 2 were rehospitalized within the 1st yr of ascertainment in contrast to 3 of the other 15 delusional depressed patients. The possible relevance of cerebral ventricular use for depressive disorder is discussed.