Test Prep Blog for the NCLEX-PN Exam

Cushing’s and Addison’s diseases are two common endocrine disorders, and they both involve the adrenal gland, which is responsible for the production of cortisol and aldosterone. These disorders basically are each other’s opposites. Cushing’s Disease Basics Cushing’s is marked by excessive levels of cortisol, and this can be caused by external forces such as glucocorticoid therapy or internal forces such as a tumor producing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) causing excess cortisol production. Addison’s Disease Basics On the other hand, Addison’s Disease is caused by low levels of cort...