Disruptions in the body's stress center--the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis--act as crucial triggers in the initial onset and progression of depression. As with many of the body's physiological responses, balance is the key. Overactivity of the body's stress system is associated with melancholia (anxiety, insomnia, loss of libido), while underactivity is linked to atypical depression (fatigue, lethargy, indifference).

Adrenal gland secretion of the hormones cortisol and DHEA is directly tied to stress and other emotional factors. A strong relationship between cortisol secretion patterns and mood variations has been established in both depressed and healthy individuals.1

Depressed individuals often exhibit a disruption in their circadian rhythm of cortisol.2,3 A hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, which results in significantly higher morning4 and midnight2 salivary cortisol levels, can also be an aggravating factor. This hypersecretion of cortisol is seen in both children and adolescents suffering from depression.5 In addition, researchers have established a link between body fat distribution and symptoms of depression--a connection possibly explained by an increased secretion of cortisol.6

One study found that stressful life events can predispose an individual to develop depression by sensitizing the HPA axis in early life. These stressful experiences actually "sculpt" specific neural circuits in the brain, and can result in habitualized oversecretion of the adrenal hormone cortisol.

Chronically high cortisol levels are linked with a variety of mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorder; in fact, as many as 7 of every 10 patients with depression show an enlargement of the adrenal gland approximately 1.7 times that of healthy controls.

The authors conclude that preventing overactivity of the HPA axis is a key tool for preventative treatment of depression, particularly for individuals with a genetic propensity for the disease.7
DHEA, an adrenal hormone which balances some of the effects of cortisol, shows promise as a mood elevator. A University of California research team found that restoring DHEA to youthful levels in a group of aged adults resulted in a "remarkable increase in perceived physical and psychological well- being" for 67% of men and 84% of women.8 A preliminary study on the use of DHEA for treating depression reported that improvements in depression ratings were directly related to increases in circulating levels of DHEA.9

The Adrenocortex Stress Profile is an accurate, easy-to-take, noninvasive saliva test that measures the levels of both cortisol and DHEA, providing important clues for a holistic analysis and treatment of depression.

References:

1 von Zerssen D, Doerr P, Emrich HM, Lund R, Pirke KM. Diurnal variation of mood and the cortisol rhythm in depression and normal states of mind. Eur Arch Psychiat Neurol Sci 1987;237:36-45.

2 Guechot J, Lepine JP, Cohen C, Fiet J, Lemperiere T, Dreux C . Simple laboratory test of neuroendocrine disturbance in depression: 11 p.m. saliva cortisol. Biol
Psychiat 1987;18:1-4.

3 Guechot J, Fiet J, Passa P, Villette JM, Gourmel B, Tabuteau F, et al. Physiological and pathological variations in saliva cortisol. Horm Res 1982;16:357-364.

4 Galard R, Gallart JM, Catalan R, Schwartz S, Arguello JM, Castellanos JM. Salivary cortisol levels and their correlation with plasma ACTH levels in depressed
patients before and after DST. Amer J Psychiat 1991;148:505-508.

5 Goodyer I, Herbert J, Moor S, Altham P. Cortisol hypersecretion in depressed school-aged children and adolescents. Psychiat Res 1991;37:237-244.

6 Rosmond R, Lapidus L, Marin P, Bjorntorp P. Mental distress, obesity and body fat distribution in middle-aged men. Obes Res 1996;4(3):245-252.

7 Plotsky PM, Owens MJ, Nemeroff CB.
Psychoneuroendocrinology of depression:hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Psychoneurol 1998;21(2):293-306.

8 Morales AJ, Nolan JJ, Nelson JC, Yen SS. Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men
and women of advancing age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab
1994;78(6):1360-7.

9 Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, Manfredi F, Chan T, Raum WJ, et. al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
treatment of depression. Biol Psychiatr
1997;41(3):311-318.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.