Depression, stress and the adrenal axis.
Depression is characterized by an over activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that resembles the neuroendocrine response to stress. These HPA axis abnormalities participate in the development of depressive symptoms. Moreover, antidepressants directly regulate HPA axis function. These novel findings are reshaping our understanding of the causes and treatment of this disabling disorder.
Pariante
Carmine M
CM
Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
D000818:Animals; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*