Possible role of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone in human development and psychopathology

The characteristics of adrenal hormone secretion change markedly during infancy. Disturbances in basal levels may precipitate psychological dysfunction and are associated with psychopathology in young people. To relate three aspects of behavioural endocrinology: developmental changes in cortisol and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of psychiatry 2001-09, Vol.179 (3), p.243-249
Main Authors: GOODYER, I. M, PARK, R. J, NETHERTON, C. M, HERBERT, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior change
Brain
Brain - physiology
Brain research
Change agents
Child
Child Development - physiology
Cortisol
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone - physiology
Depressive Disorder - physiopathology
Endocrinology
Hormones
Human development
Humans
Hydrocortisone - physiology
Infancy
Neurosciences
Psychiatry
Psychopathology
Risk factors
Secretion
Sex hormones
Social development
Steroids
Stress
Youth
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Summary:The characteristics of adrenal hormone secretion change markedly during infancy. Disturbances in basal levels may precipitate psychological dysfunction and are associated with psychopathology in young people. To relate three aspects of behavioural endocrinology: developmental changes in cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the role of these hormones in the psychopathology of young people, and the action of these steroids in the brain. A selective review from the human developmental, psychiatric and neurosciences literature. There are developmentally mediated changes in brain sensitivity following excess exposure to cortisol. This may result in impairments of mental and behavioural function. DHEA and gonadal steroids may modulate the actions of cortisol. Steroid hormones contribute to shaping behavioural function during early development and act as risk factors for psychopathology.
ISSN:0007-1250
1472-1465
DOI:10.1192/bjp.179.3.243