Dear Sue

Thought this bit of info might help. I did a quick search on high cortisol levels and depression.

I found it on the following website http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/november8/ru486-1108.html
Here is a small clip but I’d suggest you read the whole thing.

"Research over the last 17 years has revealed that cortisol is extremely elevated in psychotically depressed patients. As a "stress" hormone, cortisol is released during times of significant stress as part of humans’ "fight or flight" behaviors. In psychotic depression, the natural feedback loop involving cortisol is thought to be awry, with sustained levels of the hormone creating a chronic stress reaction. This in turn may cause the serious symptoms of psychotic depression, including hallucinations, sleep disturbances and memory problems."

Peg