The HPA axis's role in chronic stress and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pathways to malignant formations and autoimmune disorders through chronic stress

Chronic stress is not merely a psychological state — it is a physiological cascade with measurable, compounding consequences across the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. This ongoing literature synthesis performs an in-depth overview of the HPA axis and consolidates findings from neuroendocrinology, immunology, and psychiatric research into a single mechanistic account, tracing how sustained HPA axis dysregulation creates pathways to autoimmune disorders, malignant formations, and neuropsychiatric conditions including PTSD and depression. Work in progress.