title: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in psychiatric disorders.
abstract: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) physiology is complex, and dysregulation of this neuroendocrine axis cannot be characterized adequately by isolated or unintegrated measures. Repeated assessments over time, involving multiple measures of axis activity (basal and dynamic tests), have furthered our understanding of the character of the HPA abnormalities reported in various psychiatric disorders. We review the nature and clinical significance of these HPA disturbances in the affective disorders and other psychiatric illnesses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Cornell University Medical Center, New York Hospital, Payne Whitney Clinic, New York 10021.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Stokes
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Sikes
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology*