Psychological correlates of stress-induced cortisol and growth hormone releases in neurotic patients.

The mirror drawing test was performed in 23 neurotic patients and plasma cortisol (Fk) and growth hormone (GH) were measured serially throughout the test. The patient's personality was assessed by the Minnesota Multiphastic Personality Inventory and related to the endocrine findings. The results indicated that 1) Fk and GH have different personality correlates; 2) the Fk responders tend to be more "defensive" trying to maintain good "self-control" over inner mental processes; 3) high GH level seems to be associated with personality features such as exaggeration, hostility, and a distorted thinking process; 4) psychoendocrine control mechanisms for Fk and GH tend to offset, rather than enhance, each other.