Following the assumption that stressors play an important part in the etiology and
maintenance of psychiatric disorders, it is necessary to evaluate parameters reflecting stress-
related physiological reactions. Results from these examinations may help to deepen the
insight into the etiology of psychiatric disorders and to elucidate diagnostic uncertainties.
One of the best-known stress-related endocrine reactions is the hormonal release of the
hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Dysregulations of this axis are associated with …