Abstract
Hypercortisolemia and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are often found in severe forms of depression. The authors review the history of techniques used to assess the functions of the HPA axis, evidence for hypercortisolemia as a state rather than trait component of depression, and treatment implications.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / biosynthesis
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Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / biosynthesis
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Cushing Syndrome / blood
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Cushing Syndrome / physiopathology*
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Depression / physiopathology*
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Depressive Disorder / physiopathology*
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Dexamethasone
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Glucocorticoids
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Humans
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology
Substances
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Glucocorticoids
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Dexamethasone
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
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Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone