Stress-Response

Chronic Stress Response: Central Nervous System

• chronic stress and HPA axis dysregulation most likely interacts with a number of neurotransmitter systems in the brain:

  • serotonin and norepinephrine--neurotransmitters linked to depression; drugs that increase the levels of serotonin and/or norepinephrine are used to treat depression
  • GABA/benzodiazepines--neurotransmitters linked to anxiety; drugs that increase GABAergic neurotransmission are used to treat anxiety (or panic attacks)

• most recently, research efforts have focused on developing antagonists to CRH receptors to treat depression and anxiety

  • general idea is that if one can limit HPA axis dysregulation it may be possible to limit development of depression and anxiety

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