Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Differential patterns of HPA activity and reactivity in adult posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive
1Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA. kathryn.handwerger@tufts.edu
Abstract:
Despite a number of overlapping symptoms, individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) often display hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) profiles that appear quite different from one another. This review describes the patterns of HPA-axis activity and reactivity in healthy individuals compared to individuals with these two disorders. Measures of HPA-axis activity and reactivity include cortisol levels at rest, in response to the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), and in response to psychological stress. The research reviewed presents the possibility of diagnostic specificity with regard to HPA function. In particular, the differential response pattern to the DST suggests that, while it cannot be considered a pure diagnostic tool, it should be one measure taken into consideration during diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Panic Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder
