Failure to suppress production of the hormone cortisol in response to the dexamethasone suppression test has implicated a dysfunction of which system in the etiology of depression?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dexamethasone suppression test is used to assess the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Failure to suppress the production of cortisol in response to the test has been implicated in the etiology of depression and other mood disorders, suggesting a dysfunction in the HPA axis. Therefore, option D is the correct choice. Options A, B, and C may also play a role in the development of depression, but they are not directly related to the dexamethasone suppression test.

Failure to Suppress Production of the Hormone Cortisol in Response