HPA axis alterations in mental disorders: impact on memory and its relevance for therapeutic interventions

CNS Neurosci Ther. 2011 Dec;17(6):714-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00207.x. Epub 2010 Dec 8.

Abstract

Dysfunctions in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have been reported for several mental disorders that are also often characterized by memory disturbances. It is now well established that glucocorticoids influence cognitive processes by enhancing memory consolidation and impairing memory retrieval. There is further evidence for an association between HPA axis related disturbances and memory function in mental disorders. The present selective review provides a brief overview of HPA axis dysfunction and its impact on memory function in major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Furthermore, the relevance of these findings for therapeutic intervention is discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / physiopathology
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / physiopathology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology*
  • Memory / drug effects
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / drug therapy
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / physiopathology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology