Early life stress, HPA axis, and depression
Psychol. neurosci. (Impr.)
; 4(2): 229-234, 2011. ilus, tab
Article
en En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-611098
Biblioteca responsable:
BR85.1
ABSTRACT
Considerable evidence from various studies suggests a preeminent role for early adverse experiences in the development of psychopathology, especially depression. The most recent studies reviewed herein suggest that early life stressors are associated with an increased risk for mood disorders in adulthood. This review examines the emerging literature on the relationship between stress, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, and depression and the role of early life stress as an important risk factor for HPA axis dysregulation. The most consistent findings in the literature show increased activity of the HPA axis in depression associated with hypercortisolemia and reduced inhibitory feedback. Moreover, HPA axis changes appear to be state-dependent, tending to improve upon resolution of the depressive syndrome. Interestingly, persistent HPA hyperactivity has been associated with higher rates of relapse. These studies suggest that an evaluation of the HPA axis during antidepressant treatment may help identify patients who are at a higher risk for relapse. These findings suggest that this dysregulation of the HPA axis is partially attributable to an imbalance between glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. Evidence has consistently demonstrated that glucocorticoid receptor function is impaired in major depression, but few studies have assessed the activity of mineralocorticoid receptors in depression. Thus, more studies are needed to elucidate this issue.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
LILACS
Asunto principal:
Sistema Hipófiso-Suprarrenal
/
Estrés Psicológico
/
Depresión
/
Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisario
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Psychol. neurosci. (Impr.)
Asunto de la revista:
NEUROLOGIA
/
PSICOLOGIA
Año:
2011
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Brasil