Chronic alcoholism and depressive disorders result in excessive secretion of cortisol and a phenotype resembling Cushing’s Syndrome. Pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome responds to correction of the underlying aetiology, but differentiating it from Cushing’s syndrome is a challenge. Pseudo- Cushing syndrome is a pathological state of hypercorticolism that occurs in the absence of Cushing’s syndrome. It differs from Cushing’s syndrome in the absence of pituitary or adrenal tumours and exogenous glucocorticoid administration.
The physical features characteristically mimic Cushing’s syndrome to a variable degree. Elevated serum cortisol levels in the absence of Cushing’s syndrome can occur in the following conditions Chronic long standing alcohol addiction Psychiatric illnesses like severe depression, panic and anxiety disorders. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Severe physical or emotional…
