Project Summary

Belinda Garner, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2006) of Research Centre and University of Melbourne, notes that while research indicates stress and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary–adrenal ((HPA) axis may contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression, little is known about how the HPA axis functions prior to the development of psychosis. However, recent studies suggest that the transition to psychosis, as well as the initial phase of psychosis, is associated with hyperactivity of the HPA axis. As cortisol, the stress hormone, has detrimental effects on the brain, Dr. Garner hypothesizes it may also have crucial effects on the clinical course of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Therefore, she will study the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) which is important in the regulation of the HPA axis activity. Specifically, she will study the role of HPA dysfunction in the development of psychosis by examining the functions of peripheral GRs in patients in the first episode of psychosis and in individuals at ultrahigh risk of developing psychosis. This project has important implications for the future development of novel early-intervention techniques potentially targeting the HPA axis.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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