How did the Endocrine system affect behavior?

People have suspected that substances in the body contribute to behavior for a long time. During the fifth century bce., Hippocrates suggested in his humoral theory, that personality was determined by four body fluids: phlegm, black bile, yellow bile, and blood. The dominance of one of the fluids was associated with a specific behavior pattern, and a proportionate distribution of the fluids resulted in a balanced personality. This theory has contributed terms such as “phlegmatic,” “bilious,” and “good-humored” to describe personality types and states of mind. Hans Selye, a Canadian scientist, proposed a direct connection between the endocrine system and behavior. In 1946, he described physiological events that were triggered by stress. This set of bodily changes became known as the general adaptation syndrome. The syndrome involved the mobilization of the autonomic nervous system, the adrenal glands, and the anterior lobe of the pituitary. As research continued, data on the role of the endocrine system in determining behavior began to accumulate. Researchers continue to look to the endocrine system to provide clues about the causes of psychiatric diseases and the efficacy of hormone therapy in treating the diseases, as well as in altering behavior patterns.

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