INTERACTIONS OF ANXIOLYTIC AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS WITH HORMONES OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS

Changes in hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients suffering from axiety and depressive disorders are reviewed, and the changes that occur when animals are exposed to test situations used preclinically to model anxiety or depression or depression. The effects of exogeneous administration of HPA hormones both clinically and in animal tests in discussed is discussed clinicaly used anxiolytics and antidepressants on hormones of the HPA axis. The final section discusses stress-induced changes in the CNS. © 1990.