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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2015; 123(09): 571-574
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559630
Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Headache and Depression in Patients with Hypothalamic-pituitary Disorders-etiology and Risk Factors

B. Harbeck
1   Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
,
C. S. Haas
1   Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
,
S. Suefke
1   Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
,
P. Kropp
2   Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Rostock, Germany
,
H. Moenig
3   Department of Medicine I, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 15 February 2015
first decision 30 June 2015

accepted 20 July 2015

Publication Date:
14 October 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction: Headache and depression are common problems in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders (HPD).

Aim: To determine the prevalence of headache and depression in patients with HPD and the specific characteristics in affected individuals in comparison to patients with cardiovascular problems (CD).

Methods: Patients with HPD and CD were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding headache and depression.

Results: There were no significant differences between the HPD and the CD group. Prevalence of headache was not associated with the treatment modality of pituitary disease, hormone excess syndromes or any hormonal replacement therapy. However, ACTH, TSH and GH deficiency were associated with less headache when compared to patients with adequate secretion. Interestingly, patients who had prior surgery suffered significantly more often from depression. In addition, headache and depression were significantly more common in patients with microadenomas than in macroadenomas.

Discussion: The risk for headache and depression is mainly influenced by a combination of factors, but a specific pituitary hormone deficiency may decrease risk for headache.

Key words

pituitary adenomas - hypopituitarism - hormonal replacement
 

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