High neuroticism and depressive temperament are associated with dysfunctional regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system in healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
Elevated neuroticism, depressive temperament and dysfunctional regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system are considered as risk factors for unipolar depression. An interaction of these vulnerability factors was suggested, but controversially discussed. In absence of other informative studies we set out for a replication test and for elucidation of the underlying mechanism.


METHODS
Ninety-two subjects recruited in the community-performed assessments of personality and temperament as well as measurement of HPA function with the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (Dex/CRH) test.


RESULTS
Cortisol levels subsequent to Dex/CRH challenge were associated with neuroticism; high-neuroticism subjects revealed a higher HPA activation. This difference was mainly because of male subjects >/=25 years. A similar relationship was observed for depressive temperament.


CONCLUSIONS
This constellation may propose that HPA dysregulation is the endocrinological basis for neuroticism and depressive temperament; this result supports the view that distinct personality factors and HPA vulnerability interact in mediating depression.
Zobel
A
A
Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Barkow
K
K
Schulze-Rauschenbach
S
S
Von Widdern
O
O
Metten
M
M
Pfeiffer
U
U
Schnell
S
S
Wagner
M
M
Maier
W
W
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000328:Adult; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013694:Temperament
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D003907:Dexamethasone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone