This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Miscellaneous, Subject name: Psychiatry
[{'content': 'Higher cortisol levels are seen in w hich of the following conditions? \nSelect and explain. \nA. Depression, B. Phobia, C. Schizophrenia, D. Parkinsonism', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': 'Answer: A \nExplanation: (A) Depression # Higher cortisol (stress) levels in depressed individuals.> Fig shows the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Depression> In normal controls, dexamethasone leads to feedback inhibition of cortisol.> In depressed patients, dexamethasone seems less able to produce feedback inhibition of cortisol (a faulty H-B-A system).> Sleep and Depression: Depressed patients spend little/no time in deep (stage 3/4) sleep (remember that cortisol levels normally Fall during the night and rise just before we wake up, but may remain elevated in depressed patients).', 'role': 'assistant'}]