PROTOCOL OUTLINE: All patients receive a psychiatric evaluation at baseline, as well as assessments of plasma adrenocorticotropin, beta lipotropin, beta endorphin, and cortisol, and urinary cortisol. Peptide and steroid assays are performed, alone and in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone, metyrapone, and dexamethasone. Patients are given sleep electroencephalograms at baseline and 1 year following treatment.
A weight maintenance diet is prescribed for all patients.
