Psychoneuroendocrinology of anxiety disorders.
This article focuses on neuroendocrine measures in anxiety disorders and their relationships to neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine function. In particular, the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are emphasized, and a role for extrahypothalamic corticotropin releasing factor is proposed. Additional neuroactive hormones are also considered. A nonhuman primate model of anxiety is discussed in terms of its neuroendocrine relevance. And, throughout, a hypothetical functional-anatomic model for anxiety and panic is proposed using the findings of cognitive neuroscience fear research. Finally, an effort is made to synthesize existing psychoneuroendocrinologic data into a current conceptualization of the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders.
Sullivan
G M
GM
Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
Coplan
J D
JD
Gorman
J M
JM
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D009638:Norepinephrine