Stress is linked to depression
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scientists already knew that many people with depression had high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. But it was not clear whether cortisol caused the condition or was a consequence of it.
The new study provides strong evidence that long-term exposure to cortisol contributes to the symptoms of depression. The researchers from Harvard Medical School exposed 58 mice to cortisol for both short and long periods of time. The animals were then tested by being placed in a small dark compartment.
Mice given the stress hormone for more than two weeks took significantly longer to emerge from the compartment into a brightly lit open field. They were more fearful and less willing to explore a new environment. Chronic treatment also dulled their reactions to startling stimuli.
The findings, published in the journal Behavioural Neuroscience, fit in with human evidence. People with Cushing's disease, in which too much cortisol is released, commonly suffer depression and anxiety. People receiving corticosteroid therapy for inflammatory conditions and other disorders are also known to have mood problems.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments