Posted by Bekka H. on March 28, 2002, at 23:26:21
In reply to Re: SSRI, adrenal exhaustion, posted by JohnX2 on March 28, 2002, at 22:50:01
Hi John,
I think that an endocrinologist would be the best person to see, but I imagine some internists could do it, too. Some internists have dual specialties in endocrinology and internal medicine. I've had two Dexamethasone suppression tests in my life. They are used to test for certain endocrine abnormalities as well as for the psychiatric disturbances. Actually, the DST for psychiatric use is highly controversial and somewhat unreliable. I have had highly elevated corticosteroid levels for many years, yet both of my DST's were normal (i.e., I DID suppress cortisol). If I'm not mistaken, I believe it was Peter Stokes, M.D., at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, who "gave birth to" the use of the Dexamethasone Suppression Test for depression.
Perhaps your psychiatrist could refer you to an endocrinologist. That would probably be the best route.
I don't know what part of the country you live in. If you're in NY, I could recommend some people, but most Manhattan doctors charge too much and most do not participate in managed care, so you have to foot the bill yourself and then submit the bill to your insurance company.
P.S. This weekend I will rent "Planes, Trains and Automobiles."
Bekka
poster:Bekka H.
thread:100358
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/100845.html