Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation

Patients with PTSD have a hypersecretion of corticotropin-releasing factor but demonstrate subnormal levels of cortisol at the time of trauma and chronically. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be a risk factor for eventual development of PTSD. 

Hyperactivity and dysregulation of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [LHPA] system in patients with affective disorders, is well documented [e.g.. 

The association of cocaine withdrawal with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation has previously been reported and may be important in understanding vulnerability to stress response and relapse (70). The hypothesis that withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients would have higher cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of corticotropin-releasing hormone than healthy controls has been tested in 29 cocaine-dependent men (mean age 40 years) who were abstinent for a minimum of 8 days (mean 29 days) and 66 healthy controls. The subjects were 21 African Americans, two Hispanics, and six Caucasians. There were no significant differences in cerebrospinal... 

Tsigos C, Chrousos GP (1994) Physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in health and dysregulation in psychiatric and autoimmune disorders. Endocrinol Metab Clin North America 23 451 166. 

Our metabolism consists of a huge number of biochemical processes which are generally in a state of dynamic equilibrium called homeostasis. Whenever stressors in the form of extrinsic or intrinsic forces are applied, the state of homeostasis is challenged, and the stress system in our body is activated. Normal stress is essential for maintenance of mental and physical health. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the main constituent of the stress system because it serves as a key junction for neuro, immuno and endocrine (hormonal) systems [7]. Acute or chronic stress causes dysregulation of the stress system. This situation leads to various pathophysiologic states that include psychiatric, endocrine/metabolic, and immunologic disorders. 

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