MaryI have a 10 yo son with SWCAH. Almost 2 years ago, he went through a terrible time, due to being undertreated. He experienced severe mood swings, behavior problems, depression, excessive sleeping, crying, etc. His endocrinologist at the time did not think his symptoms were related to his CAH. He and his associates thought that his symptoms were related to "troubles at home," or "a depressed mother". Let me tell you watching your child suffer and not getting any response from the doctors would "depress" anyone. Anyway, the doctors only did blood work, which came back within normal ranges. These blood tests were always run within a couple of hours after receiving a dose of Cortef. (which is a shorter acting steroid)They never did a 24-hour urine, even at my suggestion. Fortunately, we reconnected with an pediatric endocrinologist that listened to us and took action! (Scott Rivkees, MD) He increased his medications immediately, and at exactly 2 weeks, my son was back to himself. He also ordered 24-hour urine. Eventually, he switched his medicine to dexamethasone, which is given 1 time/day and is longer acting. My son is doing MUCH better and gets routine 24-hour urine testing along with at least once a year blood work.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that moodiness, behavioral changes, or any other "psychiatric" symptoms are not related to CAH, especially without running a variety of tests to rule it out. In my opinion, and from my experience, there is, without a doubt a strong connection. Sorry, this was such a long response, but I thought the information might be helpful.