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Endocrine disturbances in depression

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Abstract

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.

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  1. Section of Neuroendocrinology, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr 10, 80804, Munich, Germany

    M. A. Tichomirowa MD, M. E. Keck, H. J. Schneider, M. Paez-Pereda, U. Renner, F. Holsboer & G. K. Stalla

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  1. M. A. Tichomirowa MD
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  2. M. E. Keck
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  3. H. J. Schneider
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Correspondence to M. A. Tichomirowa MD.

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Tichomirowa, M.A., Keck, M.E., Schneider, H.J. et al. Endocrine disturbances in depression. J Endocrinol Invest 28, 89–99 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345535

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