Open AccessHPA Axis Alterations in Mental Disorders: Impact on Memory and its Relevance for Therapeutic Interventions
Author(s) -
Wingenfeld Katja,
Wolf Oliver T.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
cns neuroscience and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1755-5949
pISSN - 1755-5930
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00207.x
Subject(s) - psychology , cognition , memory consolidation , psychological intervention , clinical psychology , intervention (counseling) , neuroscience , psychiatry , hippocampus
SUMMARY Dysfunctions in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis have been reported for several mental disorders that are also often characterized by memory disturbances. It is now well established that glucocorticoids influence cognitive processes by enhancing memory consolidation and impairing memory retrieval. There is further evidence for an association between HPA axis related disturbances and memory function in mental disorders. The present selective review provides a brief overview of HPA axis dysfunction and its impact on memory function in major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Furthermore, the relevance of these findings for therapeutic intervention is discussed.