A Perspective on “Burn-Out” (Adrenocortical Hypofunction) - Part V - A Unified Hypothesis Linking Adrenal Hypo- and Hyperfunction

IN THIS SEGMENT I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE MY DISCUSSION on what probably is the most important determinant of the path that stress physiology will take throughout life, stress in utero or at a very young age. In part IVI examined the overall impact of stress and glucocorticoids on the developing brain. Now I would like to explore a fascinating review by Gunnar and Donzella that examines specifically what happens to cortisol levels during early development in both the stressed and unstressed states.