Autonomous Cortisol Secretion Influences Psychopathological Symptoms in Patients with Primary Aldosteronism

Abstract

Context: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). Autonomous cortisol cosecretion (ACS) is a relevant phenotype of PA, which could contribute to depression and anxiety disorders. This has not been investigated so far. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in PA patients according to ACS. Methods: We performed testing for hypercortisolism and evaluated anxiety, depression and QoL by self-rating questionnaires in newly diagnosed PA patients of the German Conn's Registry; 298 patients were reevaluated at follow-up. Results: In the overall cohort, scores for anxiety (P