The Independent
A hormone released during periods of long-term stress has been directly linked to depression for the first time.
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.
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.
CortisolIs known as the 'stress' hormone... and untill recently it has been unknown wether people with depression were depressed because of having too much, or simply produced too much on account of being depressed...
In a wonderfully sadistic exprerement, a-la Pavlov, a bunch of mice were exposed to large amounts of cortisol, plaed in a dark environment for a few weeks, and then given a way out to a loverly sunny envoronment.
The mice with a cortisol overdose took much longer to come out into the light, and were (Very basically) more prone to huddling up in a corner, and generally displaying depression-esque behaviour.
So, in a nutshell, want to do yourselves a favour? Stay the hell away from cortisol.
hydrocortisone is a drug often used in anti-inflamatory drugs, as well as some allergy remedies. So check your medicine cabernet for anystuff that contains it, and sling it out.
This medical notice is brought to you by WD40, trivia overlord.
