Addison's disease is characterized by failure to produce adrenocortical hormones. Which option best reflects this description?

• A. Overproduction of ACTH
• B. Overproduction of glucocorticoids
• C. Failure to produce adrenocortical hormones
• D. Excess aldosterone

Answer: (C)

Addison's disease is a primary adrenal insufficiency where the adrenal cortex fails to make its hormones, especially cortisol and aldosterone. Because cortisol is lacking, ACTH from the pituitary rises in an attempt to stimulate the adrenals, but the damaged glands can’t respond, so cortisol remains low. Therefore, the statement that best reflects Addison’s is the failure to produce adrenocortical hormones. The other ideas describe scenarios like excess ACTH, or excess glucocorticoids, or excess aldosterone—conditions that are not Addison’s.