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HPA axis function in mood disorders

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Stuart Watson, Dr Paul Mackin

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Abstract

Mood disorders rank among the leading causes of disability worldwide, and are characterized by biological, emotional, psychological and cognitive symptoms. The monoamine hypothesis of depression fails to provide a comprehensive theory to account for this complex symptomatology, or the therapeutic action of drugs currently available for the treatment of mood disorders. Alternative theories have focused on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and particularly on the deleterious effects of hypercortisolemia on mood, cognition and neuronal architecture. This article reviews the evidence suggesting that HPA axis dysfunction and maladaptive responses to stress may have a central role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Recent novel therapeutic strategies that target the HPA axis are also discussed. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Watson S, Mackin P

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Psychiatry

Year: 2006

Volume: 5

Issue: 5

Pages: 166-170

ISSN (print): 1476-1793

ISSN (electronic): 1878-7592

Publisher: The Medicine Publishing Company

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1383/psyt.2006.5.5.166

DOI: 10.1383/psyt.2006.5.5.166

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