This book represents a most interesting collection of the research efforts of a group that has for some years distinguished itself in the field of biologic psychiatry. In particular, the book is useful as a reference source for psychiatric researchers who are doing similar work—especially those interested in neuroendocrinologic studies in depression.
The introductory chapter by Davies defines primary depressive disorders, the focus of the studies in this volume. This introductory chapter presents an overview of major areas of research in the depressive states, including neurometabolic studies of amine metabolism, electrolyte studies, endocrine studies, sleep studies, and enzyme studies.
The second and major section, by Carroll, is entitled "The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Depression" and in itself could constitute an authoritative monograph on this subject. A review of basic endocrinology and the role of brain transmittor agents in central nervous system control exerted by the pituitaryadrenal axis is followed by a