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Related Experiment Video

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A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

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Published on: July 10, 2017

[Anxiety, panic and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis].

Frederico G Graeff¹

¹Divisão de psiquiatria, Departamento de Neurologia, Psiquiatria e Psicologia Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. hegog@hotmail.com

Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)

|August 30, 2007

Summary

Generalized anxiety disorder activates stress hormone axes, while panic attacks primarily cause sympathetic nervous system activation. This study differentiates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses in anxiety disorders.

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Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

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Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat

Published on: September 12, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Psychiatry
Stress Physiology

Context:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) are distinct anxiety conditions.
Understanding their neurobiological underpinnings, particularly stress axis activation, is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose:

To compare the activation patterns of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in GAD and PD.
To elucidate the differential effects of anxiety states and panic attacks on stress hormone regulation.

Summary:

Experimental studies indicate that panic attacks, unlike anticipatory anxiety in GAD, show minimal HPA axis activation.
Certain pharmacological agents (e.g., CCK-B agonists, caffeine, yohimbine) can increase stress hormones, suggesting varied pathways influencing HPA axis activity.
While GAD activates both HPA and sympathoadrenal systems, panic attacks predominantly engage the sympathoadrenal system with limited HPA impact.

Impact:

Findings highlight distinct neuroendocrine profiles for GAD and PD, informing differential diagnosis and treatment strategies.
This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of anxiety disorders and stress response mechanisms.