Corticosteroid abuse--an unusual manifestation of drug dependence.

A depressed 44-year-old man presented with a 2 1/2-year history of use of a synthetic glucocorticoid (prednisone) as the only psychoactive drug. The pattern of use strongly suggested drug dependence; secondary Cushing's syndrome was noted. We call attention to the potential abuse of neuroendocrine agents and, more specifically, corticosteroid preparations.