Stress and inflammation in depressive episode subtypes and pain

FeaturesMelancholic episodeAtypical episodePain
MoodFlat, anhedoniaReactive-
Worsening of moodMorningEvening-
InsomniaEarly awakeningHypersomniaInsomnia
Eating behaviorHyporexiaCraving for carbohydrates-
ActivitySlowdownLeaden paralysisFatigue
Innate immunity
Adaptive immunity
TNF-α
IL-1
IL-6-
CRP-
BBBDecreased--
DexSTSuppressedNormalNormal
SNS-
CRF-
ACTHNormal stress stimulus response
Cortisol↑ at basal levelReduced productionBlunted stress stimulus response
KYN-
5HT
GABA-
BDNF

↑: hyperactivity or increased level; ↓: hypoactivity or decreased level; -: no date. TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-1: interleukin-1; CRP: C-reactive protein; BBB: blood-brain barrier; DexST: dexamethasone suppression test; SNS: sympathetic nervous system; CRF: corticotropin-releasing factor; ACTH: adrenocorticotropic hormone; KYN: kynurenine; 5HT: serotonin; GABA: gamma-aminobutyric acid; BDNF: brain-derived neurotrophic factor