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Speaking Point: Link between Depression and Cortisol...are they related?

Speaking Point: Stress induces the body to increase the production of cortisol secreted by the adrenal glands. Constant stress and elevated cortisol can cause harmful effects to the body over time.

Speaking Point: Studies have shown hypercortisolemia in depressed individuals may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome: combination of disorders that increase the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.

Speaking Point: Elevated cortisol levels affect the sertonin in the brain which may lead to depression.

Speaking Point: Depressed individuals have higher cortisol levels in the morning which remain elevated during the day.

Speaking Point: Elevated cortisol levels affect the sertonin in the brain which may lead to depression.

Speaking Point: In depression, not only is there a hypersecretion of cortisol, but also a resistance to the suppression of cortisol secretion.

Speaking Point: Half of people who are clinically depressed have an excess of the cortisol hormone and the levels drop to normal once the depression resolves.

Speaking Point: The hypothalamus releases the corticotrophic-releasing hormone (CRH) which stimulates the pituitary gland to release the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH ). The ACTH then causes the adrenal glands to secret cortisol.

Speaking Point: Studies have shown elevated cortisol levels in people who had experienced recent severe life events whether or not they were currently depressed.