Disturbances of the function of the ductless glands, which may be metabolic in origin and may be associated with, or aggravated by, emotional factors, producing mental and behavioral disturbances in addition to physical signs.
Of particular significance in psychiatry is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), consisting of a self-regulating cycle of neurohormones released from the hypothalamus and stimulating the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary. These in turn stimulate hormone secretion in target organs (thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads). The HPA axis is involved in the regulation of sexual activity, thirst, hunger, sleep, learning, memory, and perhaps antidepressant activity.
Diseases of the endocrine glands that are characterized by either an overproduction or underproduction of the hormone that gland produces.
The endocrine system consists of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads, and placenta. The general function of the endocrine system is to control growth and reproduction and to maintain chemical homeostasis in the body.