ADRENAL ACTIVITY IN ANXIETY
Abstract
A considerable number of studies done in the past 20 years indicates that many psychological stresses result in increased secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex. Anticipation of a stress also causes increased adrenal cortical activity. In mentally ill persons, activation of the adrenal cortex is greater at time when ego defenses are low and when environmental pressures are high. Adrenal cortical hormones have widespread physiologic effects, including increasing the activities of several glucocorticoid-sensitive hormones. The endogenous production of abnormally methylated compounds has been suggested as a possible biochemical substrate of psychosis, and one enzyme involved in methylation pathways has been shown to be inducible by blucocoticoids. It may be hypothesized; therefore, that psychotogenic metabolites may be produced during psychological stress via increased adrenal cortical activity and hormone induction of transmethylating enzymes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0709343
Entities
People
- Robert T. Rubin