Many stressor during childhood can change an individual for psychiatric disorder

Question

Many stressor during childhood can change an individual for psychiatric disorders. A research pushlished reported it may lead to epigenetic changes in the human glucocorticoid receptor gene. Adults with this history of major stressors - maltreatment or parental loss-had increased methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene, which is thought to change the way this gene is expressed on a long-term basis. They also found that greater methylation was linked to blunted cortisol responses. How can change in methylation cause this response?

Explanation / Answer

Answer. Changes or alterations in the human glucocorticoid receptor gene at childhood or at adult phase affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal or HPA axis. This affect may cause hyperactivity or hypoactivity of the HPA axis.

Alterations in the HPA axis has damaging effects on the brain which may lead to behavioral problems as well. This affect is brought by the altered hormones released from the HPA axis.

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