What biological marker is often elevated in individuals with depression?

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone released in response to stress, and its levels can be elevated in individuals with depression. This elevation is often tied to the body's stress response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation observed in many patients suffering from depression. Chronic stress can lead to prolonged elevation of cortisol, which has been associated with various physical and mental health issues, including mood disorders.

Research has shown that individuals with major depressive disorder frequently have hypercortisolism, and measuring cortisol levels can provide insight into the stress response of the body in relation to depressive symptoms. This connection between elevated cortisol and depression makes it a significant biological marker in the diagnosis and understanding of the disorder, as well as a potential target for therapeutic interventions.