The effects of stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in subjects with schizophrenia

Authors

  • Francesca L. Guest Universidade de Bristol; Faculdade de Medicina e Odontologia
  • Daniel Martins-de-Souza Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Instituto de Psiquiatria; Laboratório de Neurociências
  • Hassan Rahmoune Universidade de Cambridge; Departamento de Engenharia Química e Biotecnologia
  • Sabine Bahn Centro Médico Erasmus; Departamento de Neurociências
  • Paul C. Guest Universidade de Cambridge; Departamento de Engenharia Química e Biotecnologia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832012005000002

Keywords:

Psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia, HPA axis dysfunction, diagnosis, biomarkers

Abstract

Over the last few decades, evidence has been emerging that the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia can involve perturbations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Variations in the manifestation of these effects could be related to the differences in clinical symptoms between affected individuals as well as to differences in treatment response. Such effects can also arise from the complex interaction between genes and environmental factors. Here, we review the effects of maternal stress on abnormalities in HPA axis regulation and the development of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Studies in this area may prove critical for increasing our understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of schizophrenia. Further research in this area could ultimately lead to the development of improved diagnostics and novel therapeutic approaches for treating this debilitating psychiatric condition.

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Published

2013-01-01

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Reviews of Literature

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

The effects of stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in subjects with schizophrenia. (2013). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 40(1), 20-27. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832012005000002