The Association Between Psychiatric Diseases and Hormonal Dysfunctions

The nervous system and the endocrine system are in close functional interdependence. The nervous system releases chemical agents, which can act as local mediators or circulating hormones. In turn, a number of hormones can act as functional mediators in the central nervous system. The intercorrelated relationship between the two systems is materialized by the functional balance established between two anatomical structures - “key” for both systems: the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The modification of the established functional balance between the nervous system and the endocrine system, may have pathological consequences, being studied under the field of psychoneuroendocrinology. A number of neurological and psychiatric illnesses are associated with the pathology of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, the hormonal compounds produced by neurons. On the other hand, neuroendocrinology addresses the complex endocrine activity of the neuron. Nevertheless, peripheric hormones have many target cells, including throughout the body, including the central nervous system, and their impairment may induce various signs and symptoms in the neurological or psychiatric spectrum. We reviewed the most common associations between hormonal disfunctions and psychiatric disorders, as complex pluridisciplinary awareness is required for adequate management and therapy.