Occupational Stress and Mental Health: Identifying Biochemical Markers as Predictive Tools-Cortisol as a Marker of Severity

Mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis, are widespread, with severe impacts on daily functioning. Prolonged exposure to stress has been identified as a significant risk factor, resulting in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to increased cortisol production. This hormonal change has been linked to various mental health conditions, providing insights into its potential as a biochemical marker. This study aims to explore the relationship between occupational stress, mental health, and cortisol levels, with a focus on cortisol as a predictive marker for the severity of mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. The research synthesizes existing literature on cortisol secretion and its role in mental health. It reviews studies examining cortisol's circadian rhythm, its physiological impacts, and its dysregulation in individuals with mental health disorders. Various diagnostic methods for measuring cortisol levels, including blood, saliva, and hair samples, are discussed to evaluate cortisol as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in mental health. The findings confirm that elevated cortisol levels are commonly observed in individuals experiencing high levels of stress, particularly in those with depression and bipolar disorder. Dysregulated cortisol levels, such as those observed in hypercortisolemia, were strongly associated with the onset and progression of these mental health conditions. The study highlights the potential of cortisol as a biomarker for early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy in mental health patients.

Occupational Stress and Mental Health: Identifying Biochemical Markers as Predictive Tools-Cortisol as a Marker of Severity Keywords:

HPA axis , depression , Bipolar Disorder , Psychosis , Biomarker , stress response , circadian rhythm