CSF-adrenaline--low in "somatizing depression".

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adrenaline and noradrenaline were measured in 14 depressed patients and in seven controls. CSF-adrenaline, but not noradrenaline, was significantly reduced in the depressed patients. Moreover, a significantly negative correlation between "anxiety, somatic", "hypochondriasis", evaluated as single items on the Hamilton Depression Scale, and CSF-adrenaline concentrations, was found.