We have reported that enhanced release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the anterolateral part of bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is involved in acute pain-induced aversive responses [1], and that sustained enhancement of CRF signaling in the anterolateral BNST during chronic pain suppresses the brain reward system, which may lead to depression-like states [2]. This evidence concerns the gene CRH and major depressive disorder.