Posted by h2_tomlin on May 27, 2008, at 20:29:28
In reply to Re: HPA Axis and Depression - Way Too Long, posted by SLS on May 22, 2008, at 21:36:27
> > Often these things are functional relationships. That is A affects B and B affects A, but not necessarily directly
>
> I agree with you. That's a real good way of looking at it.
>
> My guess is that, once triggered, a HPA dysregulation contributes to the perpetuation of the depressive state.
>
>
> - ScottGood points and, having experienced it on and off (I am bipolar) for a while I think, I would also observe that congenital susceptibility to HPA dysregulation is a precondition for the perpetuation of the depressive state. Stress initiates a depressive state and, if the stress continues and encounters an HPA axis that is susceptible to deregulation, it pushes the individual into full-blown depression (by upsetting the balance of neurotransmitters through over stimulation) perpetuated by the haywire HPA axis, just like a traffic cop on an hallucinogen might cause (instead or prevent) accidents. If the prolonged stress occurs on an individual who has a "stronger" HPA axis, s/he will likely ride out the stress storm on an even keel and come up ready for the next engagement.
So might a goal of depression research be the complete understanding of the operation of the "normal" HPA axis both at rest and under stress and its emulation and re-regulation in individuals who have varying degrees and aspects of dysregulation?
Tomlin
poster:h2_tomlin
thread:31294
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080519/msgs/831504.html