**5.1 Pathways for stress and related disorders**

Stress causes activation of endocrine processes that provides a key pathway for further effects on health. Two main endocrine systems are involved: hypothalamicpituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axes. Cortisol is the main culprit controlling several physiological processes due to HPA activation like anti-inflammatory processes, metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and gluconeogenesis. In a similar way, catecholamine released because of SAM activation regulates several functions like cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, skeletal muscles, and immune system in collaboration with autonomic nervous system. Exposure to stressors causes activation of these endocrine systems. Prolonged activation of HPA and SAM causes an impaired control of physiological systems responsible for physical and psychiatric illness.
