What is "psychoneuroendocrinology"

n. The clinical study of hormone fluctuations and their relationship to human behaviour.

Psychoneuroendocrinology is the clinical study of hormone fluctuations and their relationship to human behavior. It may be viewed from the perspective of psychiatry, where in certain mood disorders, there are associated neuroendocrine or hormonal changes affecting the brain. It may also be viewed from the perspective of endocrinology, where certain endocrine disorders can be associated with psychiatric illness. Brain dysfunctions such as in the hypothalamus can affect the endocrine system, which in turn can result in psychiatric symptoms. This complex blend of psychiatry, neurology and endocrinology is needed to comprehensively understand and treat psychiatric illnesses (see neurobiological brain disorder).

Psychoneuroendocrinology is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal covering research in psychoneuroendocrinology published by Elsevier. It is an official journal of the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology and was established in 1976. The editors-in-chief are Robert Dantzer ( University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center) and Ned H. Kalin ( University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health).