Abstract

Stress plays a major role in various (patho)physiological process associated with depressive disorders. Stress has the potency to exert either ameliorating or detrimental effects. The specific outcome depends on multiple variables. However, the amount of stress experienced in relation to activated physiological processes that aim at successful coping and positive adjustments most often is overwhelming and may thus become detrimental in the long-term. The hippocampal-hypothalamopituitary- adrenal axis is sensitive to stress, and its involvement may play a significant role in the course of stress-related depressive disorders. Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are important for treatment of stress-related depressive disorders. And coping skill and stress management teaching are also important in treatment of stress-related depressive disorders. (Korean J Str Res 2006;14:85∼89)

• Keywords: Stress, Depression;