Endocrine disturbances in depression.
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. For a long time, clinicians suspected a causal link between depression and the endocrine system. The most frequently occurring endocrine abnormality in depressed subjects is hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. CRH and AVP are likely to play a substantial role in the pathophysiology of this disorder, and their receptors appear to be a specific target for future antidepressant drugs. Depression also affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-GH (HPGH) and -thyroid (HPT) axes. Alterations in the reproductive system may also play a role in the pathology of depression. In addition, there is increasing evidence that leptin and neurosteroids, such as DHEA, are implicated in mood disorders.
Tichomirowa
M A
MA
Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany. tichomirowa@mpipsykl.mpg.de
Keck
M E
ME
Schneider
H J
HJ
Paez-Pereda
M
M
Renner
U
U
Holsboer
F
F
Stalla
G K
GK
D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology
D006728:Hormones