Neuroendocrine Regulation of Anxiety

The reciprocal interaction between the central nervous system and endocrine signals plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional processing and behavioral responses related to anxiety. While the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the most extensively studied system in this context, the impact of various steroid and peptide hormones on anxiety behaviors is gaining recognition. This book chapter explores recent advancements concerning the involvement of diverse hormones in anxiety regulation, encompassing hormones associated with the brain stress systems, neuropeptides, neurosteroids, and steroid hormones. Emerging insights from both fundamental research and clinical investigations indicate that these systems might underlie stress-induced alterations in anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors. By broadening the spectrum of mechanisms associated with depression and anxiety, there lies the potential to devise innovative approaches for mitigating stress-related mental health conditions. The systems discussed within this chapter encompass a range of neuroendocrine targets that may help delineate the mechanisms of anxiety disorders as well as identify novel therapeutic targets.