Citation

van Praag HM. Psychiatry Res. 1996; 65(3): 143-157.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9029663

Abstract

The hypothesis is proposed of a new subtype of depression named: stressor-precipitated, cortisol-induced, serotonin-related, anxiety/aggression-driven depression (SeCA depression). Biologically, these patients are characterized by impaired 5-HT synthesis and reduced 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity. Under normal conditions these functions proceed marginally; in times of stress they easily fail, due to sustained overproduction of cortisol. Psychopathologically this depression type shows the following characteristics: anxiety and aggression, not mood lowering, heralding a depressive episode; the personality structure shows 'character neurotic' impairments and tolerance for (certain) traumatic life events is low. As specific therapeutic agents selective 5-HT1A agonists and cortisol or CRH antagonists are proposed. Prophylactically, maintenance treatment with 5-HT1A agonists seems indicated as well as psychological interventions to increase the stressor threshold.

Language: en