Final answer:
The study's objectives are to understand the interaction between the HPA axis and the immune system in relation to stress and to delve deeper into how chronic stress may lead to MDD, by observing changes in one system when the other is manipulated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Objectives of the Study on Combined Dexamethasone TSST/Paradigm
The primary objectives of the study on combined Dexamethasone/TSST paradigm were to investigate the interplay between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the immune system in the context of stress and to elucidate the mechanisms by which chronic stress can lead to major depressive disorder (MDD). The study aims to manipulate one system and observe the change in the other, providing insights into the functional status of the HPA axis and the immune response. By using Dexamethasone to inhibit the HPA axis activation, researchers can determine the degree of cross-system interaction and the potential pathophysiological role of this axis in MDD. This inquiry may also test theories of complementary regulation between the two systems, with an emphasis on the stress system and the development of psychophysiological disorders.