NONADRENERGIC AND SEROTONERGIC ABNORMALITIES IN DEPRESSION - STRESS-INDUCED DYSFUNCTION

Noradrenergic and serotonergic abnormalities have long been suspected in patients with major depression. Traditional tricyclic antidepressan ts block the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, In recent years, und erstanding of the complex receptor systems mediating serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) effects has increased substantially, and drugs selectively targeting these receptors are being developed. Presented here is a theory which suggests that stress mediated through the hypot halamic-pituitary-adrenal axis produces the disturbances seen in monoa mine functioning. Hypersecretion of cortisol as well as the presence o f cortisol receptors in the brain is suggested as the pathway for mono amine change.