Title:Cortisol as a Target for Treating Mental Disorders: A Promising Avenue
for Therapy
Volume: 24
Issue: 6
Author(s): Vijay K Patel, Aayush Vaishnaw, Ekta Shirbhate, Rakesh Kore, Vaibhav Singh, Ravichandran Veerasamy and Harish Rajak*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur
495 009, (C.G.), India
Keywords:
Cortisol, mental disorders, anxiety, depression, pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological interventions.
Abstract: Cortisol, commonly known as the "stress hormone," plays a critical role in the body's response
to stress. Elevated cortisol levels have been associated with various mental disorders, including
anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Consequently, researchers have explored
cortisol modulation as a promising avenue for treating these conditions. However, the availability of
research on cortisol as a therapeutic option for mental disorders is limited, and existing studies employ
diverse methodologies and outcome measures. This review article aimed to provide insights
into different treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, which can effectively
modulate cortisol levels. Pharmacological interventions involve the use of substances, such
as somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists, corticotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, and cortisol
synthesis inhibitors. Additionally, non-pharmacological techniques, including cognitivebehavioral
therapy, herbs and supplements, transcranial magnetic stimulation, lifestyle changes, and
surgery, have been investigated to reduce cortisol levels. The emerging evidence suggests that cortisol
modulation could be a promising treatment option for mental disorders. However, more research
is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of these therapies.
