Identification

According to the National Institutes of Health, glucocorticoids are specific types of hormones that help the human brain adapt and recover from injury. As a glucocorticoid, cortisol is located near the kidneys and is secreted by adrenal glands to help people cope with stress or during an emergency.

How it Works

When cortisol is secreted during a stressful time, the hormone provides cells with more energy to deal with the challenge. Yet, if a person is continuously stressed, and cortisol is constantly being produced, it is possible for cell functioning to be reduced. "The decrease in proper cell function may be at the root of certain physical and mental illnesses," the NIH reports.

Consideration

Allaboutdepression.com suggests that the timing the cortisol is secreted into the system may be another cause of depression. According to the site, people who are not depressed have increased levels of cortisol at around 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., while those who are depressed can have constant levels throughout the day and night.

Testing

Cortisol secretion can be analyzed with a dexamethasone suppression test (DST).

Significance

Not all depression patients have abnormal cortisol secretion. Therefore, a DST can confirm a depression diagnosis, but it is not the only means to test for depression.

Source:

All About Depression: Biological Causes of Depression

Indepression: Cortisol and Depression

National Institutes of Health: Research Shows How Chronic Stress May be Linked to Physical and Mental Ailments

More Information:

The British Journal of Psychiatry: Cortisol, serotonin and depression: all stressed out?