title: Cortisol's effects on human mental functioning.
abstract: Popularization of the dexamethasone suppression test has focused attention on the relation between cortisol metabolism and mood and behavior. This article considers the biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology of cortisol and cortisol-like substances. In addition, the effects of external stresses on cortisol metabolism and circadian rhythmicity of secretory patterns are reviewed. Finally, managing exogenous cortisol excess in a clinical setting is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000139:chemically induced; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D005943:Gluconeogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000187:drug effects*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone