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Schär S, Mürner-Lavanchy I, Schmidt SJ, Koenig J, Kaess M. Child maltreatment and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100987. [PMID: 35202606 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment experiences to health disparities. In this series of meta-analyses, we aimed to quantify the existing evidence on the effect of child maltreatment on various measures of HPA axis activity. The systematic literature search yielded 1,858 records, of which 87 studies (k = 132) were included. Using random-effects models, we found evidence for blunted cortisol stress reactivity in individuals exposed to child maltreatment. In contrast, no overall differences were found in any of the other HPA axis activity measures (including measures of daily activity, cortisol assessed in the context of pharmacological challenges and cumulative measures of cortisol secretion). The impact of several moderators (e.g., sex, psychopathology, study quality), the role of methodological shortcomings of existing studies, as well as potential directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Schär
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ines Mürner-Lavanchy
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie J Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julian Koenig
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany; Section for Experimental Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Lee RJ, Gozal D, Coccaro EF, Fanning J. Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorders: Relationship With Oxidative Stress. J Pers Disord 2020; 34:6-24. [PMID: 32186978 DOI: 10.1521/pedi.2020.34.supp.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The authors hypothesized that personality disorders characterized by interpersonal hypersensitivity would be associated with an elevated concentration of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-DG), the oxidized form of guanine, and a biomarker of oxidative stress burden. One hundred ninety-five male and female adults underwent semistructured diagnostic interviews, completed questionnaire measures of social cognition and emotional attribution, and had blood drawn for determination of plasma 8-OH-DG. A hierarchical linear regression model revealed that narcissistic and borderline personality disorders predicted 8-OH-DG level independently of the effects of age, gender, recent alcohol and cigarette use, current major depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. In all subjects, 8-OH-DG level was also correlated with the number of borderline personality disorder symptoms present. Narcissistic and borderline personality disorders predicted oxidative stress burden independently of potentially confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royce J Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Emil F Coccaro
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago
| | - Jennifer Fanning
- Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress, Harvard Medical Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
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Porter C, Palmier-Claus J, Branitsky A, Mansell W, Warwick H, Varese F. Childhood adversity and borderline personality disorder: a meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020; 141:6-20. [PMID: 31630389 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this meta-analysis was to better understand the magnitude and consistency of the association between childhood adversity and borderline personality disorder (BPD) across case-control, epidemiological and prospective cohort studies. METHOD Following the review protocol (reference: CRD42017075179), search terms pertaining to adversity and BPD were entered into three search engines. Random-effects meta-analysis synthesised the size and consistency of the effects. RESULTS A total of 97 studies compared BPD to non-clinical (k = 40) and clinical (k = 70) controls. Meta-analysis of case-control studies indicated that individuals with BPD are 13.91 (95% CI 11.11-17.43) times more likely to report childhood adversity than non-clinical controls. This effect was smaller when considering retrospective cohort (OR: 2.59; 95% CI 0.93-7.30) and epidemiological (OR: 2.56, 95% CI 1.24-5.30) studies. Findings were significant across adversity subtypes with emotional abuse (OR: 38.11, 95% CI: 25.99-55.88) and neglect (OR: 17.73, 95% CI = 13.01-24.17) demonstrating the largest effects. Individuals with BPD were 3.15 (95% CI 2.62-3.79) times more likely to report childhood adversity than other psychiatric groups. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis corroborates theoretical proposals that exposure to adverse life experiences is associated with BPD. It highlights the importance of considering childhood adversity when treating people diagnosed with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Porter
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - J Palmier-Claus
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.,Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire, UK
| | - A Branitsky
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - W Mansell
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - H Warwick
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - F Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Mazer AK, Cleare AJ, Young AH, Juruena MF. Bipolar affective disorder and borderline personality disorder: Differentiation based on the history of early life stress and psychoneuroendocrine measures. Behav Brain Res 2019; 357-358:48-56. [PMID: 29702176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Affective Disorder (BD) have clinical characteristics in common which often make their differential diagnosis difficult. The history of early life stress (ELS) may be a differentiating factor between BPD and BD, as well as its association with clinical manifestations and specific neuroendocrine responses in each of these diagnoses. OBJECTIVE Assessing and comparing patients with BD and BPD for factors related to symptomatology, etiopathogenesis and neuroendocrine markers. METHODOLOGY The study sample consisted of 51 women, divided into 3 groups: patients with a clinical diagnosis of BPD (n = 20) and BD (n = 16) and healthy controls (HC, n = 15). Standardized instruments were used for the clinical evaluation, while the history of ELS was quantified with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and classified according to the subtypes: emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect. The functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was evaluated by measuring a single plasma cortisol sample. RESULTS Patients with BPD presented with more severe psychiatric symptoms of: anxiety, impulsivity, depression, hopelessness and suicidal ideation than those with BD. The history of ELS was identified as significantly more prevalent and more severe in patients (BPD and BP) than in HC. Emotional abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect also showed differences and were higher in BPD than BD patients. BPD patients had greater severity of ELS overall and in the subtypes of emotional abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect than BD patients. The presence of ELS in patients with BPD and BP showed significant difference with lower cortisol levels when compared to HC. The endocrine evaluation showed no significant differences between the diagnoses of BPD and BD. Cortisol measured in patients with BPD was significantly lower compared to HC in the presence of emotional neglect and physical neglect. A significant negative correlation between the severity of hopelessness vs cortisol; and physical neglect vs cortisol were found in BPD with ELS. The single cortisol sample showed a significant and opposite correlations in the sexual abuse diagnosis-related groups, being a negative correlation in BD and positive in BPD. DISCUSSION Considering the need for a multi-factorial analysis, the differential diagnosis between BPD and BD can be facilitated by the study of psychiatric symptoms, which are more severe in the BPD patients with a history of early life stress. The function of the HPA axis assessed by this cortisol measure suggests differences between BPD and BP with ELS history. CONCLUSION The integrated analysis of psychopathology, ELS and neuroendocrine function may provide useful indicators to differentiate BPD and BD diagnoses. These preliminary data need to be replicated in a more significant sample with improved and multiple assessments of HPA axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony J Cleare
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience & South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Allan H Young
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience & South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Mario F Juruena
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience & South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK.
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Drews E, Fertuck EA, Koenig J, Kaess M, Arntz A. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning in borderline personality disorder: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 96:316-334. [PMID: 30500331 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has been associated with altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. However, evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, the present series of meta-analyses aimed to quantify HPA axis functioning in BPD patients based on singular and continuous cortisol assessments and measures of reactivity to pharmacological and psychosocial stress. Case-control studies comparing adult BPD patients and healthy and clinical controls were considered for inclusion. The search resulted in 804 publications, of which 37 studies (k = 81; BPD n = 803, controls n = 1092) were included. Analyses were based on random effect models using standardized mean differences. BPD patients displayed elevated continuous cortisol output and blunted cortisol following psychosocial challenges. Singular cortisol assessments and cortisol after pharmacological challenges were not significantly different. Meta-analyses were limited by inconsistent reporting in individual studies and small samples for some comparisons. Due to the debilitating nature of stress-related symptoms in BPD, more research on elevated continuous cortisol output and blunted cortisol responses to psychosocial stress is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Drews
- Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, United States.
| | - Eric A Fertuck
- The City College and Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, United States
| | - Julian Koenig
- Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kaess
- Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arnoud Arntz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To consider the use of the diagnostic category 'complex posttraumatic stress disorder' (c-PTSD) as detailed in the forthcoming ICD-11 classification system as a less stigmatising, more clinically useful term, instead of the current DSM-5 defined condition of 'borderline personality disorder' (BPD). CONCLUSIONS Trauma, in its broadest definition, plays a key role in the development of both c-PTSD and BPD. Given this current lack of differentiation between these conditions, and the high stigma faced by people with BPD, it seems reasonable to consider using the diagnostic term 'complex posttraumatic stress disorder' to decrease stigma and provide a trauma-informed approach for BPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashri Kulkarni
- Professor of Psychiatry and Director MAPrc, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Ferguson EH, Di Florio A, Pearson B, Putnam KT, Girdler S, Rubinow DR, Meltzer-Brody S. HPA axis reactivity to pharmacologic and psychological stressors in euthymic women with histories of postpartum versus major depression. Arch Womens Ment Health 2017; 20:411-420. [PMID: 28251369 PMCID: PMC5441453 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-017-0716-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
It is unclear whether women with a history of postpartum depression (PPD) have residual, abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity, as has been reported in major depression (MDD). Further unclear is whether the abnormalities in HPA axis reactivity associated with MDD represent a stable, underlying predisposition or a state-dependent phenomenon. This study sought the following: (1) to determine if euthymic postpartum women with a history of depression have an abnormal HPA axis reactivity to pharmacologic and psychological challenges and (2) to compare HPA reactivity in women with histories of PPD versus MDD. As a secondary objective, we wanted to determine the influence of trauma history on HPA axis function. Forty-five parous (12-24 months postpartum), euthymic women with history of MDD (n = 15), PPD (n = 15), and controls (n = 15) completed pharmacologic (dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test [DEX/CRH]) and psychological (Trier social stress test [TSST]) challenges during the luteal phase. Outcome measures were cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) response after DEX/CRH, and blood pressure, heart rate, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol response during the TSST. All groups had robust cortisol and ACTH response to DEX/CRH and cortisol response to TSST. Groups did not differ significantly in cortisol or ACTH response to DEX/CRH or in blood pressure, heart rate, epinephrine, norepinephrine, or cortisol response to TSST. Cortisol/ACTH ratio did not differ significantly between groups. Trauma history was associated with decreased cortisol response to DEX/CRH in women with histories of MDD, which was not significant after correction (F 8,125, p = 0.02, Greenhouse-Geisser corrected p = 0.11). Currently euthymic women with histories of MDD or PPD did not demonstrate residual abnormal stress responsivity following administration of either a pharmacologic or psychological stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Ferguson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7160, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7160, USA.
| | - Arianna Di Florio
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7160, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7160, USA
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Brenda Pearson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7160, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7160, USA
| | - Karen T Putnam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7160, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7160, USA
| | - Susan Girdler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7160, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7160, USA
| | - David R Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7160, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7160, USA
| | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7160, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7160, USA
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Aleknaviciute J, Tulen JHM, Kamperman AM, de Rijke YB, Kooiman CG, Kushner SA. Borderline and cluster C personality disorders manifest distinct physiological responses to psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 72:131-8. [PMID: 27413994 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maladaptive emotional control is a defining feature of personality disorders. Yet little is known about the underlying physiological dynamics of emotional reactivity to psychosocial stress across distinct personality disorders. The current study compared subjective emotional responses with autonomic nervous system and HPA axis physiological responses to psychosocial stress in women with cluster C personality disorder (CPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). METHODS Subjective mood ratings, salivary cortisol, heart rate (HR), and skin conductance level (SCL) were assessed before, during, and after exposure to a standardized psychosocial stress paradigm (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) in 26 women with BPD, 20 women with CPD, and 35 healthy female controls. Subjects were free of any medication including hormonal contraceptives, had a regular menstrual cycle, and were tested during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. RESULTS Both CPD and BPD patients reported a similar burden of subjective mood disturbance. However, only BPD patients demonstrated reduced baseline cortisol levels with a blunted cortisol and HR reactivity to the TSST. In addition, BPD patients exhibited a generalized increase of SCL. No significant differences in baseline or TSST reactivity of cortisol, HR, or SCL were observed between CPD patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that patients with BPD have significant alterations in their physiological stress reactivity, which is notably distinct from patients with CPD and those of healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joke H M Tulen
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Astrid M Kamperman
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Yolanda B de Rijke
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis G Kooiman
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Rivierduinen, Institute of Mental Health Care, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands.
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Nemeroff CB. Paradise Lost: The Neurobiological and Clinical Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect. Neuron 2016; 89:892-909. [PMID: 26938439 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, much evidence has accumulated unequivocally demonstrating that child abuse and neglect is associated with a marked increase in risk for major psychiatric disorders (major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], substance and alcohol abuse, and others) and medical disorders (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and others). Moreover, the course of psychiatric disorders in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment is more severe. Recently, the biological substrates underlying this diathesis to medical and psychiatric morbidity have been studied. This Review summarizes many of the persistent biological alterations associated with childhood maltreatment including changes in neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter systems and pro-inflammatory cytokines in addition to specific alterations in brain areas associated with mood regulation. Finally, I discuss several candidate gene polymorphisms that interact with childhood maltreatment to modulate vulnerability to major depression and PTSD and epigenetic mechanisms thought to transduce environmental stressors into disease vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Lee RJ, Fanning JR, Coccaro EF. GH response to intravenous clonidine challenge correlates with history of childhood trauma in personality disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2016; 76:38-43. [PMID: 26874268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood trauma is a risk factor for personality disorder. We have previously shown that childhood trauma is associated with increased central corticotrophin-releasing hormone concentration in adults with personality disorder. In the brain, the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone can be stimulated by noradrenergic neuronal activity, raising the possibility that childhood trauma may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis by altering brain noradrenergic function. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that childhood trauma is associated with blunted growth hormone response to the α-2 adrenergic autoreceptor agonist clonidine. METHODS All subjects provided written informed consent. Twenty personality disordered and twenty healthy controls (without personality disorder or Axis I psychopathology) underwent challenge with clonidine, while plasma Growth Hormone (GH) concentration was monitored by intravenous catheter. On a different study session, subjects completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and underwent diagnostic interviews. RESULTS Contrary to our a priori hypothesis, childhood trauma was associated with enhanced GH response to clonidine. This positive relationship was present in the group of 40 subjects and in the subgroup 20 personality disordered subjects, but was not detected in the healthy control subjects when analyzed separately. The presence of personality disorder was unrelated to the magnitude of GH response. DISCUSSION Childhood trauma is positively correlated with GH response to clonidine challenge in adults with personality disorder. Enhanced rather that blunted GH response differentiates childhood trauma from previously identified negative predictors of GH response, such as anxiety or mood disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royce J Lee
- Clinical Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer R Fanning
- Clinical Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emil F Coccaro
- Clinical Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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12
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Arnett MG, Muglia LM, Laryea G, Muglia LJ. Genetic Approaches to Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:245-60. [PMID: 26189452 PMCID: PMC4677126 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and resultant glucocorticoid (GC) secretion, is essential for human health. Disruption of GC regulation is associated with pathologic, psychological, and physiological disease states such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, hypertension, diabetes, and osteopenia, among others. As such, understanding the mechanisms by which HPA output is tightly regulated in its responses to environmental stressors and circadian cues has been an active area of investigation for decades. Over the last 20 years, however, advances in gene targeting and genome modification in rodent models have allowed the detailed dissection of roles for key molecular mediators and brain regions responsible for this control in vivo to emerge. Here, we summarize work done to elucidate the function of critical neuropeptide systems, GC-signaling targets, and inflammation-associated pathways in HPA axis regulation and behavior, and highlight areas for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda G Arnett
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7009, Attention Melinda Arnett, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA, Tel: +1 513 803 8040, Fax: +1 513 803 5009, E-mail:
| | - Lisa M Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gloria Laryea
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Neuroscience Graduate Program Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Ford JD, Courtois CA. Complex PTSD, affect dysregulation, and borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2014; 1:9. [PMID: 26401293 PMCID: PMC4579513 DOI: 10.1186/2051-6673-1-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex PTSD (cPTSD) was formulated to include, in addition to the core PTSD symptoms, dysregulation in three psychobiological areas: (1) emotion processing, (2) self-organization (including bodily integrity), and (3) relational security. The overlap of diagnostic criteria for cPTSD and borderline personality disorder (BPD) raises questions about the scientific integrity and clinical utility of the cPTSD construct/diagnosis, as well as opportunities to achieve an increasingly nuanced understanding of the role of psychological trauma in BPD. We review clinical and scientific findings regarding comorbidity, clinical phenomenology and neurobiology of BPD, PTSD, and cPTSD, and the role of traumatic victimization (in general and specific to primary caregivers), dissociation, and affect dysregulation. Findings suggest that BPD may involve heterogeneity related to psychological trauma that includes, but extends beyond, comorbidity with PTSD and potentially involves childhood victimization-related dissociation and affect dysregulation consistent with cPTSD. Although BPD and cPTSD overlap substantially, it is unwarranted to conceptualize cPTSD either as a replacement for BPD, or simply as a sub-type of BPD. We conclude with implications for clinical practice and scientific research based on a better differentiated view of cPTSD, BPD and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian D Ford
- University of Connecticut Health Center MC1410, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-1410 USA
| | - Christine A Courtois
- Independent Pactice, Washington, DC, Elements Behavioral Health, Promises, Malibu, CA USA
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Strüber N, Strüber D, Roth G. Impact of early adversity on glucocorticoid regulation and later mental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 38:17-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Kellner M, Salzwedel C, Wortmann V, Urbanowicz T, Boelmans K, Yassouridis A, Stalla GK, Wiedemann K. No acute suppression of cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin-releasing hormone in man by cortisol administration. Psychiatry Res 2013; 210:662-4. [PMID: 23896353 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is regarded as index of brain endocrine and behavioral functioning. We investigated the acute effects of intravenous cortisol (100mg) vs. placebo on serial CSF CRH in ten healthy men. CSF CRH concentrations were not significantly suppressed by cortisol within 3h. The origin and regulation of CSF CRH need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kellner
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany.
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Daughters SB, Gorka SM, Matusiewicz A, Anderson K. Gender specific effect of psychological stress and cortisol reactivity on adolescent risk taking. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 41:749-58. [PMID: 23338478 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-013-9713-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate how psychological stress, gender and cortisol response to stress relate to risk behavior among 132 14-18 year old adolescents. Participants completed a laboratory based risk task prior to and immediately after a computerized psychological stress task, and salivary cortisol was collected from pre-stress to 60 min following initial stress exposure. Results indicate that adolescent boys (n = 59) and girls (n = 73) demonstrate different patterns of risk taking (RT) in response to stress, such that boys evidenced an increase in RT following stress exposure, whereas girls evidenced a decrease in RT. In addition, a gender by cortisol interaction demonstrated that for boys, both a smaller total cortisol output (AUCg) and peak cortisol response to stress (PC) was associated with greater stress-induced RT. Both cortisol measures were unrelated to stress-induced RT among girls. Taken together, data suggest that among boys, a blunted cortisol response to stress underlies an increase in risk taking in the context of psychological stress. Further research with an additional behavioral stress task is needed prior to drawing conclusions regarding the relation between female gender, cortisol response to stress, and risk taking in the context of psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey B Daughters
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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