Cushing's syndrome or disease is the result of having increased levels of cortisol, a hormone, in your body. It also is called hypercortisolism. Taking oral corticosteroids such as prednisone is the most frequent cause of the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cushing's syndrome produces some noticeable physical signs including stretch marks that are purple or pink, a rounding of the face and a hump of fat in your back between the shoulders. The condition may be treated by decreasing the amount of corticosteroids you take (at your doctor's recommendation), radiation, surgery and other medications.
Depression
While depression may be caused by many things, it also may be a symptom of Cushing's syndrome. Depression may present itself as a sadness or having empty feelings, or it may show itself by causing you to have a severe loss of interest in things you like to do. Depression also may lead to suicidal thoughts or a disregard for your own safety. It is treatable with a variety of antidepressant drugs, from Prozac to Zoloft, if it persists, but it also may disappear if you have treatment for Cushing's syndrome if that is the cause.
Lowered Libido
Cushing's syndrome also may cause you to lose interest in sex. A decrease in the libido may be part of or lead to depression. It may be treated with various medications such as Viagra or Cialis, but again, it may disappear upon treatment for Cushing's if that is what you suffer from.
Anxiety
Most people experience anxiety from time to time, but it generally it is related to specific events or circumstances. For example, many people feel anxious when they must speak to a crowd or perform for an audience. If, however, it is not related to a specific event, anxiety can be one of the symptoms of Cushing's. A number of medications are available by prescription for anxiety including benzodiazepines such as Klonopin, Valium and Ativan; antidepressants such as Prozac, Tofranil and Effexor; or BuSpar, a medication specifically for anxiety. However, as with the other symptoms, anxiety may vanish with Cushing's treatment.
Emotional Control and Irritability
Cushing's syndrome may cause you to lose control of your emotions. This can send you crying for no apparent reason, or laughing for equally inexplicable reasons, among other things. The condition also may cause you to be very irritable, in which you snap at people around you or are annoyed by things you normally wouldn't be,
