Home ❯ Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

What is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in bipolar disorder?

Stress is defined as a threat to the body’s ability to regulate internal processes following exposure to an adverse event. People adapt physiologically and behaviourally in response to stress in order to re-establish internal balance. The biological response to stress is mediated through the HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system. This is achieved through the release of cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). Altered HPA axis activity can result in prolonged exposure to cortisol or ACTH which can be detrimental to physical and psychological health.

What is the evidence for HPA axis anomalies?

High quality evidence suggests a small to medium-sized increase in awakening and post-dexamethasone cortisol levels in people with bipolar disorders compared to controls. Moderate to high quality evidence suggests morning, nighttime and 12-24hour cortisol levels may also be increased. The manic phase of the illness was associated with the largest effect sizes, while the use of antipsychotics was associated smaller effect sizes. Radioimmunoassay method of measurement and older age were associated with trend effects for larger effect sizes.

Moderate quality evidence suggests ACTH, but not corticotropin-releasing hormone, is also increased in people with bipolar disorder.

There were no differences in morning cortisol levels between people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

December 2021

Image: ©joshya – stock.adobe.com

Last updated at: 6:27 pm, 9th December 2021
To view documentation related to this topic download the files below
Fact Sheet Technical Commentary
Tags:  Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis

NeuRA Libraries

Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.