Psychoneuroendocrinology
Volume 34, Supplement 1 , Pages S196-S207, December 2009

Neuropsychological functioning in health and mood disorder: Modulation by glucocorticoids and their receptors

  • Peter Gallagher

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Leazes Wing (Psychiatry), Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK. Tel.: +44 0191 282 4065; fax: +44 0191 222 6162.
    • ,
  • Keith S. Reid
    • ,
  • I. Nicol Ferrier

Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, UK

Received 17 April 2009; received in revised form 21 May 2009; accepted 26 May 2009.

Summary 

Numerous studies have shown that disturbances in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function and consequent hypercortisolaemia occur in a significant proportion of patients with mood disorders. This dysfunction has been proposed to be an exacerbating factor of depressive symptoms and may predict symptomatic relapse. Glucocorticoids are also known to have a specific role in learning and memory processes. In this review we present a brief overview of the relationship between HPA axis dysfunction and neuropsychological impairment in mood disorders and the specific links between glucocorticoids and cognition in health and illness states. Finally we examine the neuropsychological effects of drugs that specifically target glucocorticoid receptor function.

Keywords: Neuropsychology, Memory, Cortisol, Glucocorticoids, HPA axis, Mood disorders, Depression

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0306-4530(09)00188-7

doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.05.018

Psychoneuroendocrinology
Volume 34, Supplement 1 , Pages S196-S207, December 2009

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution