Pituitary - adrenal functioning in male alcoholics.

Serum adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and Cortisol were assayed in 38 males alcoholics and 24 male control subjects using radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques. Biochemical parameters of hepatic function, depressive symptoms and severity of withdrawal were also assessed. Thirteen percent and eleven percent of the patients and elevated serum ACTH and Cortisol levels respectively. Evidence of advance liver disease was scant and significant symptoms of depression was observed in only 14% of the patients. By and large withdrawal symptoms were mild. Two patients have clinical features suggestive ofpseudo Cushing's syndrome without hypercortisolaemia.