hpa axis

Adrenal Cortex & Addiction: HPA Axis & Cortisol Influence Reward

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Addiction involves complex interactions between the brain’s reward circuitry and stress systems. The adrenal cortex and its hormones are emerging as key players. Key Facts: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates adrenal cortex hormone secretion. Adrenal hormones like cortisol influence mood, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Disrupting adrenal hormone signaling reduces addictive behaviors in animal studies. There …

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New PTSD Treatments: Drugs in Development & Pharmacological Targets

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to afflict millions worldwide, necessitating more effective therapeutic options. Key Facts: PTSD involves dysfunctional fear processing and altered threat perception. Current treatments fail to comprehensively address its complex symptoms. Research implicates dysregulation in brain systems like the HPA axis and glutamate, presenting novel drug targets. Medications modulating oxytocin, cannabinoids, opioids …

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