Antidepressant use and stress hormone levels in depression and anxiety

Antidepressant subtypes are associated with distinct alterations in cortisol levels among 1526 individuals with anxiety and depression.

• TCA users exhibited a flattened cortisol awakening response, indicating significant changes in cortisol production.
• SSRI users had higher evening cortisol levels compared to non-users, suggesting different impacts on daily cortisol rhythms.
• SSRI users demonstrated decreased cortisol suppression after dexamethasone ingestion, pointing to altered stress response mechanisms.
• The findings indicate that varying types of antidepressants may affect the body's stress regulation differently.

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