Methods for treating psychosis associated with glucocorticoid related dysfunction
AssigneeThe Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
InventorsAlan F. Schatzberg, Joseph K. Belanoff
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Abstract
This invention pertains to the discovery that agents which inhibit the binding of cortisol to its receptors can be used in methods for amelirating psychotic major depression. Mifepristone, a potent glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can be used in these methods.
Claims13
A method of ameliorating psychosis in a patient in need thereof by administration of an amount of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist effective to ameliorate the psychosis, with the proviso that the patient not be suffering from Cushing's Syndrome and the psychosis is associated with major depression.
A method of ameliorating psychotic major depression in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient mifepristone in a daily amount of about 8 to 12 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, wherein the administration continues for a period of about 4 days, with the proviso that the patient is not suffering from Cushing's Syndrome.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.