Opioid plasma levels in primary affective disorders. Effect of desimipramine therapy

Mean plasma levels of beta-endorphin (βEP), beta-lipotropin (βLPH) and ACTH were significantly higher in 22 patients with primary affective disorders (PAD) and in 2 schizoaffective subjects off therapy since 10 days than in 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Desimipramine therapy (50-100 mg/day per os for 3-5 weeks) induced in parallel psychological improvement and fall in βLPH-βEP in 6 of 8 PAD patients treated, and a normalization of βEP-βLPH levels with minimal mood improvement in the 2 schizoaffective subjects. These results indicate that the opioid levels are increased in PAD and schizoaffective patients and normalized by the desimipramine therapy in those patients in whom the affective disorders improved. © 1984 S. Karger AG, Basel.