Does the hormonal imbalance (cortisol) is the only reason for anxiety & depression for me. If the answer is yes, then why all the patients of cushing syndrome (excess cortisol hormones releases due to tumour in pituitary or adrenal gland) don’t have mental illness. Thank you.

Dr. Sushil Kumar SompurPsychiatrist19yrs exp

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Good morning! hormonal imbalance can be one reason for anxiety and depression. Those with cushing syndrome can be treated by endocrinologists. If there are residual neuropsychiatric symptoms then we can certainly help. Just call the Lybrate staff and set up an appointment with me for consultation. Take care and have a lovely day!  

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No, cortisol alone is not the culprit to be blamed for anxiety and depression. These conditions are chiefly due to imbalances of other neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine ,histamine as well. Its one of the contributory hormone but not solely responsible for the illness. Moreso,many patients do have anxiety and depression secondary to genetic loading as well and due to other hormonal imbalances. Eg.hypothyroidism is one of the major causes of depression in many patients, while many hyperthyroidism patients may present with anxiety disorders. All in all, cortisol alone shall not be blamed for all the mental illnesses.  

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Dr. Keerthy RejiPsychiatrist10yrs exp

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Cortisol is the stress hormone and excess cortisol often causes psychiatric symptoms. But there can be a contributing factor of reactive anxiety and depression symptoms also as of how you have coped with your diagnosis and how good your support system is.  

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Dr. Prof Jagadeesan M SPsychiatrist19yrs exp

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Cortisol is rare reason for anxiety and depression. Common neurotransmitter implicated is serotonin and it is not simple to understand the interplay between hormones and neurotransmitters ( but basic explanation can be given to a lay person). It needs understanding of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and psychiatry, apart from general medical knowledge how these produce the symptoms and treatment. 

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