Alterations of the HPA Axis Observed in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Their Relation to Early Life Stress: A Systematic Review.

Background: Alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are common in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Nevertheless, these alterations are not found in every patient. There is evidence to indicate a possible mediating role of early life stress (ELS) in the relation between dysfunction of the HPA axis and MDD.

Overdosing of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs and falls in older adults: Costs for the health system.

Introduction: Benzodiazepines and Z drugs (BZD/Z drugs) are commonly used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety in older adults for long periods of time. Given the physiological and metabolic characteristics of this group of patients, they are more prone to the adverse effects of these drugs which include falls. The recommendations for use of BZD/Z drugs include the need to adjust the dose and select those with a short half-life, to avoid adverse events, which as well as potentially affecting patient outcome, increase healthcare costs.