The present study examined the plasma concentration of the soluble interleukin-2-receptor (sIL-2R) in depressed subjects in relation to hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis function and plasma neopterin and serum IL-2 concentrations. Plasma sIL-2R concentration was significantly higher in depressed patients (n = 47) than in controls (n = 19). There were no significant correlations between plasma sIL-2R and severity of illness. In the depressed subjects, there was a highly significant relationship between plasma sIL-2R and neopterin concentrations. Depressed patients with pathologically increased plasma neopterin levels had significantly higher plasma sIL-2R values than those with normal serum neopterin. There were no significant relationships between plasma sIL-2R and indices of HPA-axis function in depression. There was no significant effect of dexamethasone administration on sIL-2R levels. Significantly more depressed subjects had measurable serum IL-2 levels than normal controls. Our data support the notion that a moderate activation of cell-mediated immunity may play a role in the pathophysiology of depression.

This paper reviews the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents. Focusing on clinical features of the disorder and its treatment particular to pediatric onset, diagnosis, assessment, and behavioral, pharmacological, as well as new investigative treatments are covered. Adaptation of cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents, use of augmenting agents in drug treatment, and subtyping of OCD cases are developments relevant for current practice.