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Gettler LT, Samson DR, Kilius E, Sarma MS, Miegakanda V, Lew-Levy S, Boyette AH. Hormone physiology and sleep dynamics among BaYaka foragers of the Congo Basin: Gendered associations between nighttime activity, testosterone, and cortisol. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105422. [PMID: 37683498 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Sleep quality is an important contributor to health disparities and affects the physiological function of the immune and endocrine systems, shaping how resources are allocated to life history demands. Past work in industrial and post-industrial societies has shown that lower total sleep time (TST) or more disrupted nighttime sleep are linked to flatter diurnal slopes for cortisol and lower testosterone production. There has been little focus on these physiological links in other socio-ecological settings where routine sleep conditions and nighttime activity demands differ. We collected salivary hormone (testosterone, cortisol) and actigraphy-based sleep data from Congolese BaYaka foragers (N = 39), who have relatively short and fragmented nighttime sleep, on average, in part due to their typical social sleep conditions and nighttime activity. The hormone and sleep data collections were separated by an average of 11.23 days (testosterone) and 2.84 days (cortisol). We found gendered links between nighttime activity and adults' hormone profiles. Contrary to past findings in Euro-American contexts, BaYaka men who were more active at night, on average, had higher evening testosterone than those with lower nighttime activity, with a relatively flat slope relating nighttime activity and evening testosterone in women. Women had steeper diurnal cortisol curves with less disrupted sleep. Men had steeper cortisol diurnal curves if they were more active at night. BaYaka men often hunt and socialize when active at night, which may help explain these patterns. Overall, our findings indicate that the nature of nighttime activities, including their possible social and subsistence contexts, are potentially important modifiers of sleep quality-physiology links, meriting further research across contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee T Gettler
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Anthropology, Notre Dame 46556, USA; University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame 46556, USA.
| | - David R Samson
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Anthropology, Mississauga L5L1C6, Canada
| | - Erica Kilius
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Anthropology, Mississauga L5L1C6, Canada
| | - Mallika S Sarma
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore 21287, USA
| | - Valchy Miegakanda
- Laboratoire National de Sante Publique, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Sheina Lew-Levy
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Adam H Boyette
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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Crumpei-Tanasă I, Crumpei I. A Machine Learning Approach to Predict Stress Hormones and Inflammatory Markers Using Illness Perception and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:3150-3171. [PMID: 34436041 PMCID: PMC8395480 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychosocial factors have become central concepts in oncology research. However, their role in the prognosis of the disease is not yet well established. Studies on this subject report contradictory findings. We examine if illness perception and quality of life reports measured at baseline could predict the stress hormones and inflammatory markers in breast cancer survivors, one year later. We use statistics and machine learning methods to analyze our data and find the best prediction model. Patients with stage I to III breast cancer (N = 70) were assessed twice, at baseline and one year later, and completed scales assessing quality of life and illness perception. Blood and urine samples were obtained to measure stress hormones (cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and inflammatory markers (c-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and fibrinogen). Family quality of life is a strong predictor for ACTH. Women who perceive their illness as being more chronic at baseline have higher ESR and fibrinogen values one year later. The artificial intelligence (AI) data analysis yields the highest prediction score of 81.2% for the ACTH stress hormone, and 70% for the inflammatory marker ESR. A chronic timeline, illness control, health and family quality of life were important features associated with the best predictive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Crumpei-Tanasă
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 700554 Iași, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Iulia Crumpei
- Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University, 700115 Iași, Romania;
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Losiak W, Losiak-Pilch J. Cortisol Awakening Response, Self-Reported Affect and Exam Performance in Female Students. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2020; 45:11-16. [PMID: 31486985 PMCID: PMC7018672 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-019-09449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to find whether there were differences in cortisol awakening response (CAR) between a neutral day and an exam day in a group of female students and to explore possible relationships between CAR, self-reported affect, and exam performance. A group of 25 female students took samples of their saliva using Salivettes at the moment of waking and after 30 min. They then described their affect using the PANAS scale. Measures were taken twice: three days before an examination and on the day of the examination. The level of free cortisol in saliva samples was determined using enzyme immunoassay. The integrated volume of cortisol (CARauc) was significantly higher on the day of the exam than on the neutral day. There were also significant differences in affect, with negative higher and positive lower on the exam day, but correlations between cortisol measures and self-reported affect were low and not significant. A negative relationship between integrated volume of cortisol (CARauc) and exam performance was also found. Anticipated exam stress caused a significant increase in CAR in female study participants when compared to a neutral day, but only in the case of integrated volume of cortisol over the waking period (CARauc). The negative relationship between this measure and exam performance can be explained by attributing CARauc to negative expectations concerning the anticipated exam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wladyslaw Losiak
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Julia Losiak-Pilch
- Institute of Pedagogy, Jagiellonian University, ul. Batorego 12, 31-135, Kraków, Poland
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Song H, Fall K, Fang F, Erlendsdóttir H, Lu D, Mataix-Cols D, Fernández de la Cruz L, D'Onofrio BM, Lichtenstein P, Gottfreðsson M, Almqvist C, Valdimarsdóttir UA. Stress related disorders and subsequent risk of life threatening infections: population based sibling controlled cohort study. BMJ 2019; 367:l5784. [PMID: 31645334 PMCID: PMC6812608 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l5784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether severe psychiatric reactions to trauma and other adversities are associated with subsequent risk of life threatening infections. DESIGN Population and sibling matched cohort study. SETTING Swedish population. PARTICIPANTS 144 919 individuals with stress related disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress reaction, adjustment disorder, and other stress reactions) identified from 1987 to 2013 compared with 184 612 full siblings of individuals with a diagnosed stress related disorder and 1 449 190 matched individuals without such a diagnosis from the general population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A first inpatient or outpatient visit with a primary diagnosis of severe infections with high mortality rates (ie, sepsis, endocarditis, and meningitis or other central nervous system infections) from the Swedish National Patient Register, and deaths from these infections or infections of any origin from the Cause of Death Register. After controlling for multiple confounders, Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios of these life threatening infections. RESULTS The average age at diagnosis of a stress related disorder was 37 years (55 541, 38.3% men). During a mean follow-up of eight years, the incidence of life threatening infections per 1000 person years was 2.9 in individuals with a stress related disorder, 1.7 in siblings without a diagnosis, and 1.3 in matched individuals without a diagnosis. Compared with full siblings without a diagnosis of a stress related disorder, individuals with such a diagnosis were at increased risk of life threatening infections (hazard ratio for any stress related disorder was 1.47 (95% confidence intervals1.37 to 1.58) and for PTSD was 1.92 (1.46 to 2.52)). Corresponding estimates in the population based analysis were similar (1.58 (1.51 to 1.65) for any stress related disorder, P=0.09 for difference between sibling and population based comparison, and 1.95 (1.66 to 2.28) for PTSD, P=0.92 for difference). Stress related disorders were associated with all studied life threatening infections, with the highest relative risk observed for meningitis (sibling based analysis 1.63 (1.23 to 2.16)) and endocarditis (1.57 (1.08 to 2.30)). Younger age at diagnosis of a stress related disorder and the presence of psychiatric comorbidity, especially substance use disorders, were associated with higher hazard ratios, whereas use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the first year after diagnosis of a stress related disorder was associated with attenuated hazard ratios. CONCLUSION In the Swedish population, stress related disorders were associated with a subsequent risk of life threatening infections, after controlling for familial background and physical or psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Song
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- West China Biomedical Big Data Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Katja Fall
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helga Erlendsdóttir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Donghao Lu
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Mataix-Cols
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lorena Fernández de la Cruz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian M D'Onofrio
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnús Gottfreðsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Catarina Almqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Unnur A Valdimarsdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Nees F, Löffler M, Usai K, Flor H. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis feedback sensitivity in different states of back pain. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:60-66. [PMID: 30414593 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pain normally signals a threat to bodily integrity and causes emotional distress. Acute pain serves a protective function, yet, when pain turns chronic, the protective function is lost. A chain of psychophysiological alterations including changes in the stress regulation system, apparent in dysfunctional activity and responsivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, might be an important factor in this context. Moreover, maladaptive responses may be complicated by affective comorbid symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and alter nociceptive processing. However, the relationship among pain chronicity, stress regulation, and contributing components of comorbid symptomatology as well as somatosensory profiles has rarely been examined. In the present study, we obtained diurnal cortisol profiles at baseline and feedback regulation (following a dexamethasone suppression test (DST)) in subacute (SABP) and chronic (CBP) back pain patients and healthy control individuals (HC). We also assessed anxiety, depression and chronic stress levels and used quantitative sensory testing (QST) to detect sensory abnormalities. We found a hyper-suppression of cortisol following DST and thus enhanced negative stress feedback sensitivity in SABP compared to both CBP and HC. In SABP, DST-related cortisol levels were negatively associated with pain intensity, mediated by cold pain thresholds and anxiety. These data support a stress model of pain chronicity and suggest that stress responses might be indicators of individual vulnerability in the transition period of subacute pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Nees
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Martin Löffler
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katrin Usai
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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de Rezende MG, Rosa CE, Garcia-Leal C, de Figueiredo FP, Cavalli RDC, Bettiol H, Salmon CEG, Barbieri MA, de Castro M, Carlos Dos Santos A, Del-Ben CM. Correlations between changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neurochemistry of the anterior cingulate gyrus in postpartum depression. J Affect Disord 2018; 239:274-281. [PMID: 30029155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate associations between indicators of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) functioning and metabolite levels in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) of women with postpartum depression (PPD). METHODS The sample (mean age = 28.5 ± 4.6 years) consisted of 20 women with PPD and 19 postpartum euthymic (PPE) women. Brain metabolites were quantified by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Salivary cortisol samples were collected upon awakening and 30 min and 12 h later, at 20.6 ± 6.6 (PPD) and 23.0 ± 7.4 (PPE) weeks after childbirth. RESULTS There were no significant differences between groups in respect to metabolite levels in the ACG. Compared with PPE, PPD women had less diurnal variation (DVr%). In the PPD group, positive correlations were found between DVr% and myo-inositol (mI/Cr) levels, and between cortisol awakening response (CARi%) and glutamate + glutamine (Glx/Cr) levels. The correlation between CARi% and Glx/Cr remained significant even after controlling for the interval, in weeks, from birth and MR spectroscopy and to hormonal data collection, and the use of contraceptives. LIMITATIONS The limitations of the study include the small sample size and the use of oral contraceptives by around half of the sample. CONCLUSIONS In the remote postpartum period (mean 21.8 ± 6.9 weeks) and in the presence of depressive episodes, the decreased responsiveness of the HPA axis after awakening and a smaller decrease in cortisol levels over the day were associated with lower levels of metabolites in the ACG. These results may contribute to the development of biological models to explain the etiology of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Gonçalves de Rezende
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Eduardo Rosa
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil; Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cybele Garcia-Leal
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe Pinheiro de Figueiredo
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
| | | | - Heloisa Bettiol
- Puericulture and Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ernesto Garrido Salmon
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Barbieri
- Puericulture and Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Margaret de Castro
- Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina Marta Del-Ben
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
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Garcia AF, Wilborn K, Mangold DL. The Cortisol Awakening Response Mediates the Relationship Between Acculturative Stress and Self-Reported Health in Mexican Americans. Ann Behav Med 2018; 51:787-798. [PMID: 28337601 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-017-9901-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of acculturative stress as synonymous with acculturation level overlooks the dynamic, interactive, and developmental nature of the acculturation process. An individual's unique perception and response to a range of stressors at each stage of the dynamic process of acculturation may be associated with stress-induced alterations in important biological response systems that mediate health outcomes. Evidence suggests the cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a promising pre-clinical biomarker of stress exposure that may link acculturative stress to self-reported health in Mexican Americans. PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to examine whether alterations in the CAR mediate the relationship between acculturative stress and self-reported health in Mexican Americans. METHODS Salivary cortisol samples were collected at awakening, 30, 45, and 60 min thereafter, on two consecutive weekdays from a sample of adult Mexican Americans. Acculturative stress and self-reported health were assessed. Data were aggregated and analyzed (n = 89) using a mixed effects regression model and path analysis. RESULTS Poorer self-reported health was associated with attenuated CAR profiles (primarily due to a diminished post-awakening rise in cortisol) predicted by both moderate and high levels of exposure to acculturative stress. Stress-induced alterations in the CAR mediated the relationship between exposure to acculturative stressors and self-reported health. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate that different levels of acculturative stress are associated with distinct CAR profiles and suggest the CAR is one possible biological pathway through which exposure to culturally unique stressors may be linked to health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio F Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | | | - Deborah L Mangold
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
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Johnson MT, Johnson E. Stress, domination and basic income: considering a citizens’ entitlement response to a public health crisis. SOCIAL THEORY & HEALTH 2018. [DOI: 10.1057/s41285-018-0076-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Pulopulos MM, Kozusznik MW. The moderating role of meaning in life in the relationship between perceived stress and diurnal cortisol. Stress 2018; 21:203-210. [PMID: 29373936 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2018.1429397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that meaning in life may buffer the negative effects of stress. This study is the first to investigate the moderating role of meaning in life in the relationship between the perception of stress and diurnal cortisol in two independent samples of healthy adults. In study 1 (n = 172, men = 82, women = 90, age range = 21-55 years, mean age = 37.58 years), the results of moderated regression analyses revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between overall perceived stress in the past month and both diurnal cortisol levels (area-under-the-curve with respect to the ground; AUCg) and the diurnal cortisol slope (DCS) only in individuals with low levels of meaning in life conceptualized as the degree to which one engages in activities that are personally valued and important. In study 2 (n = 259, men = 125, women = 134, age range = 18-54 years, mean age = 29.06 years), we found a non-significant interaction term between meaning in life conceptualized as having goals and a sense of excitement regarding one's future and perception of stress in a model of both adjusted AUCg and DCS. The results were independent of age, sex, body mass index, education, and race. The results shed light on the importance and the complexity of the construct of meaning in life and offer a possible explanation for why some people who face stressors may be more vulnerable than others to developing stress-related health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias M Pulopulos
- a Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Malgorzata W Kozusznik
- b Research Group for Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology (WOPP) , Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
- c IDOCAL , University of Valencia , Valencia , Spain
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Ju HB, Kang EC, Jeon DW, Kim TH, Moon JJ, Kim SJ, Choi JM, Jung DU. Associations Among Plasma Stress Markers and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Breast Cancer Following Surgery. Psychiatry Investig 2018; 15:133-140. [PMID: 29475233 PMCID: PMC5900404 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2017.07.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of present study is to analyze the prevalence of depression and anxiety following breast cancer surgery and to assess the factors that affect postoperative psychological symptoms. METHODS The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) were used to assess the psychological states of patients who had been diagnosed with and had undergone surgery for breast cancer. Blood concentrations of the stress markers adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, arginine-vasopressin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme were measured. Pearson's correlation analysis and multilinear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. RESULTS At least mild depressive symptoms were noted in 50.5% of patients, while 42.4% of patients exhibited at least mild anxiety symptoms. HAM-D score was positively correlated with HAM-A (r=0.83, p<0.001) and BIS (r=0.29, p<0.001) scores and negatively correlated with RSES score (r=-0.41, p<0.001). HAM-A score was positively correlated with BIS score (r=0.32, p<0.001) and negatively correlated with RSES score (r=-0.27, p<0.001). There were no statistically significant associations between stress markers and depression/anxiety. CONCLUSION Patients with breast cancer frequently exhibit postoperative depression and anxiety, which are related to low levels of self-esteem and distorted body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Bin Ju
- Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Chan Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Jeon
- Department of Surgery, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Min Choi
- Department of Information Management Systems, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Un Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Kamen C, Scheiber C, Janelsins M, Jo B, Shen H, Palesh O. Effects of childhood trauma exposure and cortisol levels on cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 72:163-171. [PMID: 28818733 PMCID: PMC5659913 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive functioning difficultiesin breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are common, but not all women experience these impairments. Exposure to childhood trauma may impair cognitive functioning following chemotherapy, and these impairments may be mediated by dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and cortisol slope. This study evaluated the association between childhood trauma exposure, cortisol, and cognition in a sample of breast cancer survivors. 56 women completed measures of trauma exposure (the Traumatic Events Survey), salivary cortisol, and self-reported cognitive functioning (the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive). We examined correlations between childhood trauma exposure and cognitive functioning, then used linear regression to control for factors associated with cognition (age, education, time since chemotherapy, depression, anxiety, and insomnia), and the MacArthur approach to test whether cortisol levels mediated the relationship between trauma and cognitive functioning. 57.1% of the sample had experienced at least one traumatic event in childhood, with 19.6% of the sample witnessing a serious injury, 17.9% experiencing physical abuse, and 14.3% experiencing sexual abuse. Childhood trauma exposure and cognitive functioning were moderately associated (r=-0.29). This association remained even when controlling for other factors associated with cognition; the final model explained 47% of the variance in cognitive functioning. The association between childhood trauma and cognitive functioning was mediated by steeper cortisol slope (partial r=0.35, p=0.02). Childhood trauma exposure is associated with self-reported cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors and is mediated by cortisol dysregulation. Trauma should be considered, among other factors, in programs aiming to address cognition in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Kamen
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 265 Crittenden Blvd, Box 420658, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Caroline Scheiber
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michelle Janelsins
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 265 Crittenden Blvd, Box 420658, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hanyang Shen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Oxana Palesh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Boggero IA, Hostinar CE, Haak EA, Murphy MLM, Segerstrom SC. Psychosocial functioning and the cortisol awakening response: Meta-analysis, P-curve analysis, and evaluation of the evidential value in existing studies. Biol Psychol 2017; 129:207-230. [PMID: 28870447 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2017.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cortisol levels rise immediately after awakening and peak approximately 30-45min thereafter. Psychosocial functioning influences this cortisol awakening response (CAR), but there is considerable heterogeneity in the literature. The current study used p-curve and meta-analysis on 709 findings from 212 studies to test the evidential value and estimate effect sizes of four sets of findings: those associating worse psychosocial functioning with higher or lower cortisol increase relative to the waking period (CARi) and to the output of the waking period (AUCw). All four sets of findings demonstrated evidential value. Psychosocial predictors explained 1%-3.6% of variance in CARi and AUCw responses. Based on these effect sizes, cross-sectional studies assessing CAR would need a minimum sample size of 617-783 to detect true effects with 80% power. Depression was linked to higher AUCw and posttraumatic stress to lower AUCw, whereas inconclusive results were obtained for predictor-specific effects on CARi. Suggestions for future CAR research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Boggero
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, 125 Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506, United States.
| | - Camelia E Hostinar
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, 103 Young Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Eric A Haak
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, 125 Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506, United States.
| | - Michael L M Murphy
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Suzanne C Segerstrom
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, 125 Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506, United States.
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Adam EK, Quinn ME, Tavernier R, McQuillan MT, Dahlke KA, Gilbert KE. Diurnal cortisol slopes and mental and physical health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 83:25-41. [PMID: 28578301 PMCID: PMC5568897 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Changes in levels of the stress-sensitive hormone cortisol from morning to evening are referred to as diurnal cortisol slopes. Flatter diurnal cortisol slopes have been proposed as a mediator between chronic psychosocial stress and poor mental and physical health outcomes in past theory and research. Surprisingly, neither a systematic nor a meta-analytic review of associations between diurnal cortisol slopes and health has been conducted to date, despite extensive literature on the topic. The current systematic review and meta-analysis examined associations between diurnal cortisol slopes and physical and mental health outcomes. Analyses were based on 179 associations from 80 studies for the time period up to January 31, 2015. Results indicated a significant association between flatter diurnal cortisol slopes and poorer health across all studies (average effect size, r=0.147). Further, flatter diurnal cortisol slopes were associated with poorer health in 10 out of 12 subtypes of emotional and physical health outcomes examined. Among these subtypes, the effect size was largest for immune/inflammation outcomes (r=0.288). Potential moderators of the associations between diurnal cortisol slopes and health outcomes were examined, including type of slope measure and study quality indices. The possible roles of flatter slopes as either a marker or a mechanism for disease etiology are discussed. We argue that flatter diurnal cortisol slopes may both reflect and contribute to stress-related dysregulation of central and peripheral circadian mechanisms, with corresponding downstream effects on multiple aspects of biology, behavior, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K. Adam
- School of Education and Social Policy and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, 2120 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA,Corresponding author: , 847-467-2010
| | - Meghan E. Quinn
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Royette Tavernier
- Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, 207 High Street, Middletown, CT, 06459, USA.
| | - Mollie T. McQuillan
- School of Education and Social Policy and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, 2120 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Katie A. Dahlke
- American Institutes for Research, 1120 E. Diehl Road, Suite 200, Naperville, IL, USA, 60563
| | - Kirsten E. Gilbert
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 4444 Forest Park Parkway, Suite 2100, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Mikkelsen S, Forman JL, Fink S, Vammen MA, Thomsen JF, Grynderup MB, Hansen ÅM, Kaerlev L, Kolstad HA, Rugulies R, Bonde JP. Prolonged perceived stress and saliva cortisol in a large cohort of Danish public service employees: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2017; 90:835-848. [PMID: 28698925 PMCID: PMC5640736 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-017-1241-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose It is well known that acute stress can lead to a transient increase in cortisol secretion, but the effects of prolonged stress on cortisol secretion are uncertain. This study examines the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between prolonged perceived stress and salivary cortisol. Methods In 2007, 4467 Danish public service employees participated in a study of stress and mental health, and 3217 participated in a follow-up in 2009. Perceived stress during the past 4 weeks was assessed by Cohen’s four item perceived stress scale. Participants were asked to collect saliva 30 min after awakening and at approximately 20:00 in the evening. The cortisol dependence on perceived stress was examined in regression analyses adjusted for effects of potential confounders. We adjusted for a large variation in saliva sampling times by modelling the time trajectory of cortisol concentrations in the morning and in the evening and examined if they were influenced by perceived stress. Results Perceived stress had no statistically significant effects on the level or time trajectory of morning or evening cortisol, neither cross-sectionally nor longitudinally. The 1 month prevalence of frequently perceived stress was low, approximately 2.5%. Conclusion Our results did not support the hypothesis that prolonged perceived stress is associated with the level or time trajectory of morning or evening salivary cortisol. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00420-017-1241-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigurd Mikkelsen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Julie Lyng Forman
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Samuel Fink
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marianne Agergaard Vammen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jane Frølund Thomsen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Åse Marie Hansen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linda Kaerlev
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Albert Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Århus, Denmark
| | - Reiner Rugulies
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wolkow A, Aisbett B, Ferguson SA, Reynolds J, Main LC. Psychophysiological relationships between a multi-component self-report measure of mood, stress and behavioural signs and symptoms, and physiological stress responses during a simulated firefighting deployment. Int J Psychophysiol 2016; 110:109-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Cakmak O, Tasdemir Z, Aral CA, Dundar S, Koca HB. Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva stress hormone levels in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol 2016; 43:1024-1031. [PMID: 27513682 DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM This cross-sectional study aims to analyse cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) and generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) patients, as well as in periodontally healthy individuals (C). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 92 patients (31 C, 34 GCP and 27 GAP) were included in the study. Clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level; psychosocial measurements including Beck depression inventory and state-trait anxiety inventory; and hormone levels in GCF and saliva including cortisol and DHEA were evaluated. RESULTS Gingival crevicular fluid cortisol and GCF/saliva DHEA values were significantly higher in the GAP group when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). The lowest values were in the C group and the difference between the GCP and GAP groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Salivary cortisol levels were comparable for the GAP and GCP groups (p > 0.05), and the C group had the lowest values in comparison with the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of this study, salivary/GCF cortisol and DHEA levels were suggested to be related with more severe and aggressive forms of periodontal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Cakmak
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Zekeriya Tasdemir
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Serkan Dundar
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Firat University, Elazıg, Turkey
| | - Halit Bugra Koca
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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de Rezende MG, Garcia-Leal C, de Figueiredo FP, Cavalli RDC, Spanghero MS, Barbieri MA, Bettiol H, de Castro M, Del-Ben CM. Altered functioning of the HPA axis in depressed postpartum women. J Affect Disord 2016; 193:249-56. [PMID: 26773916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and major depressive episodes in the remote postpartum period. METHODS The sample (mean age, 28.0±5.3 years) consisted of 37 depressed postpartum women (DPP), 42 euthymic postpartum women (EPP) and 25 non-postpartum healthy women (HC). Salivary cortisol samples were collected immediately after awakening and 30min, 3 and 12h later, at approximately the sixth month postpartum (mean, 169.6±60.3 days). RESULTS Differences in cortisol levels were observed at awakening (DPP<EPP=HC), at 30min (DPP<EPP<HC), at 3h (DPP=EPP<HC) and at 12h (DPP>EPP=HC). The relative increment in the cortisol awakening response (CARi%) was significantly higher in HC (113.5±94.3) than in EPP (63.1±69.8) and DPP (32.2±49.6). The relative reduction in diurnal variation (DVr%) was lower in DPP (56.5±41.8) than in EPP (75.6±22.4) and HC (75.1±13.0). LIMITATIONS The main limitation was cortisol collection on a single day and without measurement at midnight. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the remote postpartum period involves attenuation of HPA axis reactivity; this dysregulation is more pronounced in the presence of DPP, which is associated with a reduction in cortisol diurnal variation. Abnormalities in the neuroendocrine system related to stress processing, present even several months after delivery, can represent vulnerability to mental disorders. Thus, improvements in the mental health care of postpartum women are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Gonçalves de Rezende
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Cybele Garcia-Leal
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marco Antonio Barbieri
- Puericulture and Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Bettiol
- Puericulture and Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Margaret de Castro
- Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Marta Del-Ben
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lovell B, Wetherell MA. The psychophysiological impact of childhood autism spectrum disorder on siblings. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 49-50:226-234. [PMID: 26720849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The negative impact of caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on parents' psychophysiological functioning has been widely evidenced. However, siblings, who also face emotional, social and physical challenges associated with having a brother/sister with ASD, have been less widely studied. This study examined the psychophysiological impact of childhood ASD on siblings. METHODS A sample of 25 siblings of children with ASD (and their mothers) and a control group of 20 siblings of neuro-typical children (and their mothers) completed questionnaires assessing: (a) demographic and lifestyle information, (b) family characteristics, (c) child behaviour problems, (d) social support and (e) depressive symptomology. Saliva samples were collected at several time points on two consecutive days, and estimates of the cortisol awakening response (CAR), diurnal cortisol slope and mean diurnal cortisol output were derived. RESULTS Total depressive symptoms were higher in siblings of children with ASD compared with controls. Group differences with respect to depressive symptomology were driven more by emotional than functional problems. With respect to physiological functioning, groups were comparable on all cortisol indices. In siblings of children with ASD, social support, especially from parents and close friends, predicted total depressive symptoms, as did the behaviour problems of their brother/sister with ASD. CONCLUSION Siblings of children with ASD experience greater emotional problems and overall depressive symptoms compared with a control group. Interventions that enhance social support, as well as helping siblings better understand the behaviour problems of their brother/sister with ASD, might be effective for alleviating depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Mark A Wetherell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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Drake EC, Sladek MR, Doane LD. Daily cortisol activity, loneliness, and coping efficacy in late adolescence: A longitudinal study of the transition to college. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 40:334-345. [PMID: 28979055 DOI: 10.1177/0165025415581914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many late adolescents who transition to the college environment perceive changes in psychosocial stress. One such stressor, loneliness, has been associated with numerous health problems among adolescents and adults. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is one mechanism through which loneliness may affect health. Guided by a risk and resilience framework, the present study investigated the association between longitudinal changes in loneliness from high school to college and diurnal cortisol activity (waking levels, cortisol awakening response, diurnal slope) by sampling saliva intensively 5 times a day for 3 weekdays in a US sample of late adolescents in their first semester of college (N = 70; Mage = 18.49, SD = 0.38). The present study also explored how the link between loneliness and cortisol might depend on coping efficacy-one's belief in successfully coping with future stressors or novel situations. Results from hierarchical linear growth curve models demonstrated that an increase in loneliness across this contextual transition was associated with steeper cortisol slopes in college. Coping efficacy at baseline (in high school) significantly moderated the relation between changes in loneliness and diurnal slopes, such that late adolescents with low levels of coping efficacy who reported increased loneliness across the transition exhibited significantly flatter diurnal slopes in college. Higher levels of coping efficacy at baseline also significantly predicted lower waking cortisol levels during the first semester of college. These results suggest that coping efficacy may serve as a protective factor by contributing to regulation of daily physiological stress activity for late adolescents as they struggle with loneliness across the transition to college.
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Day-to-day Variation of Salivary Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in Children from a Rural Dominican Community. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-014-0002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wetherell MA, Montgomery C. Basal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and psychological distress in recreational ecstasy polydrug users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1365-75. [PMID: 24190587 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ecstasy (MDMA) is a psychostimulant drug which is increasingly associated with psychobiological dysfunction. While some recent studies suggest acute changes in neuroendocrine function, less is known about long-term changes in HPA functionality in recreational users. OBJECTIVES The current study is the first to explore the effects of ecstasy-polydrug use on psychological distress and basal functioning of the HPA axis through assessing the secretion of cortisol across the diurnal period. METHOD Seventy-six participants (21 nonusers, 29 light ecstasy-polydrug users, 26 heavy ecstasy-polydrug users) completed a substance use inventory and measures of psychological distress at baseline, then two consecutive days of cortisol sampling (on awakening, 30 min post awakening, between 1400 and 1600 hours and pre bedtime). On day 2, participants also attended the laboratory to complete a 20-min multitasking stressor. RESULTS Both user groups exhibited significantly greater levels of anxiety and depression than nonusers. On day 1, all participants exhibited a typical cortisol profile, though light users had significantly elevated levels pre-bed. On day 2, heavy users demonstrated elevated levels upon awakening and all ecstasy-polydrug users demonstrated elevated pre-bed levels compared to non-users. Significant between group differences were also observed in afternoon cortisol levels and in overall cortisol secretion across the day. CONCLUSIONS The increases in anxiety and depression are in line with previous observations in recreational ecstasy-polydrug users. Dysregulated diurnal cortisol may be indicative of inappropriate anticipation of forthcoming demands and hypersecretion may lead to the increased psychological and physical morbidity associated with heavy recreational use of ecstasy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Wetherell
- Health in Action Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Northumbria, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK,
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Glei DA, Goldman N, Shkolnikov VM, Jdanov D, Shkolnikova M, Vaupel JW, Weinstein M. Perceived stress and biological risk: is the link stronger in Russians than in Taiwanese and Americans? Stress 2013; 16:411-20. [PMID: 23534869 PMCID: PMC3686890 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2013.789015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allostatic load theory implies a relationship between exposure to psychological stress and multi-system physiological dysregulation. We used data from population-based samples of men and women in Russia (Moscow; n = 1800; age, mean 68.6 years), Taiwan (n = 1036; 65.6 years) and the United States (US; n = 1054; 58.0 years) -- which are likely to vary widely with respect to levels of stress exposure and biological markers -- to determine the magnitude of the association between perceived stress and physiological dysregulation. The measure of overall dysregulation was based on 15 markers including standard cardiovascular/metabolic risk factors as well as markers of inflammation and neuroendocrine activity. Subjective psychological stress was measured by the perceived stress scale. Only the Moscow sample demonstrated a positive association with overall dysregulation in both sexes. In the US, we found an association among women but not men. Among the Taiwanese, who report the lowest perceived stress, there was no association in women but an unexpected inverse relationship in men. The effects also varied across system-level subscores: the association with perceived stress was most consistent for standard cardiovascular/metabolic factors. Perceived stress was associated with inflammation and neuroendocrine activity in some samples. Although the evidence that perceived stress is the primary source of physiological dysregulation is generally modest, it was stronger in Russia where the level of perceived stress was particularly high. For Russia only, we had information about heart function based on a 24 h ambulatory electrocardiogram; perceived stress was consistently associated with heart rate dysregulation in Russian men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Glei
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Patacchioli FR, Perrone G, Merlino L, Simeoni S, Bevilacqua E, Capri O, Galoppi P, Brunelli R. Dysregulation of Diurnal Salivary Cortisol Production Is Associated with Spontaneous Preterm Delivery: A Pilot Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2013; 76:69-73. [DOI: 10.1159/000351873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Powell DJ, Schlotz W. Daily life stress and the cortisol awakening response: testing the anticipation hypothesis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52067. [PMID: 23284871 PMCID: PMC3527370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a distinct facet of the circadian cortisol rhythm associated with various health conditions and risk factors. It has repeatedly been suggested that the CAR could be a result of the anticipated demands of the upcoming day (stress anticipation) and could support coping with daily life stress. In a sample of 23 healthy participants CARs were assessed on two consecutive days by measures of salivary cortisol upon awakening (S1) and 30 and 45 minutes later, which were aggregated to the area under the curve increase (AUCI). Stress anticipation was assessed immediately after awakening. On the same days, daily life stress and distress were assessed six times per day based on a quasi-randomized design using handheld computers. Associations were tested by day using regression analysis and standard multilevel/mixed effects models for longitudinal data. The CAR AUCI moderated the effect of daily life stress on distress; higher CAR increases were associated with attenuated distress responses to daily life stress on both days (day 1: p = .039; day 2: p = .004) adjusted for age, gender, sleep quality, time of awakening and oral contraceptive use. Lagged-effects and redundancy models showed that this effect was not due to prior-day CAR increases but specific for same day CARs. On day 2, associations between daily life stress and distress were stronger when individuals showed a higher S1 cortisol level, but this effect was similar for S1 on day 1, and the day 2 effect of S1 became non-significant when S1 on day 1 was controlled. No associations were found between stress anticipation and CARs. Findings indicate that the CAR increase is associated with successful coping with same-day daily life stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Powell
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Wolff Schlotz
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Scott LN, Levy KN, Granger DA. Biobehavioral reactivity to social evaluative stress in women with borderline personality disorder. Personal Disord 2012; 4:91-100. [PMID: 23244772 DOI: 10.1037/a0030117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Several clinical theories propose that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a biologically based affective vulnerability to intense affective experiences and impaired modulation of affective states, which might manifest in high emotional intensity, hyperreactivity, and impaired recovery to baseline. However, few studies have tested these theories based on emotional and biological responses of BPD participants in response to psychosocial stressors. This study examined cortisol, alpha-amylase, and subjective emotional reactivity to social evaluative stress among women with BPD compared with two healthy female control groups: a trait-matched (TM) group scoring similarly to the BPD group on trait measures of negative affect and impulsivity, and a non-trait-matched (NTM) group. Results generally suggested high emotional intensity and high baseline psychobiological arousal among individuals with BPD, but not emotional hyperreactivity or impaired recovery specific to the stressor. Relative to both control groups, BPD participants had higher baseline and overall subjective negative affect, higher baseline cortisol levels, and attenuated stress-related cortisol reactivity. In addition, both the BPD and TM groups had attenuated alpha-amylase reactivity in comparison to the NTM group. The differences between BPD and TM groups on most of the dependent measures suggest that emotional dysregulation in BPD is not merely an extreme variant of normative personality traits. These results suggest that women with BPD demonstrate intense and chronic negative affectivity along with high resting psychobiological arousal and attenuated psychobiological reactivity specific to laboratory stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori N Scott
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Abstract
The impact of stress on health and disease is an important research topic in psychosomatic medicine. Because research on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation under controlled laboratory studies lacks ecological validity, it needs to be complemented by a research program that includes momentary ambulatory assessment. The measurement of salivary cortisol offers the possibility to trace the free steroid hormone concentrations in ambulant settings. Therefore, in this article, we first discuss the role of salivary cortisol in ambulatory monitoring. We start with a brief description of HPA axis regulation, and we then consider cortisol assessments in other organic materials, followed by a presentation of common salivary markers of HPA axis regulation suitable for ambulatory assessment. We further provide an overview on assessment designs and sources of variability within and between subjects (intervening variables), acknowledge the issue of (non)compliance, and address statistical aspects. We further give an overview of associations with psychosocial and health-related variables relevant for ambulatory assessment. Finally, we deal with preanalytical aspects of laboratory salivary cortisol analysis. The relative simplicity of salivary cortisol assessment protocols may lead to an overoptimistic view of the robustness of this method. We thus discuss several important issues related to the collection and storage of saliva samples and present empirical data on the stability of salivary cortisol measurements over time.
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Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:5995-9. [PMID: 22474371 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1118355109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 769] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a model wherein chronic stress results in glucocorticoid receptor resistance (GCR) that, in turn, results in failure to down-regulate inflammatory response. Here we test the model in two viral-challenge studies. In study 1, we assessed stressful life events, GCR, and control variables including baseline antibody to the challenge virus, age, body mass index (BMI), season, race, sex, education, and virus type in 276 healthy adult volunteers. The volunteers were subsequently quarantined, exposed to one of two rhinoviruses, and followed for 5 d with nasal washes for viral isolation and assessment of signs/symptoms of a common cold. In study 2, we assessed the same control variables and GCR in 79 subjects who were subsequently exposed to a rhinovirus and monitored at baseline and for 5 d after viral challenge for the production of local (in nasal secretions) proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6). Study 1: After covarying the control variables, those with recent exposure to a long-term threatening stressful experience demonstrated GCR; and those with GCR were at higher risk of subsequently developing a cold. Study 2: With the same controls used in study 1, greater GCR predicted the production of more local proinflammatory cytokines among infected subjects. These data provide support for a model suggesting that prolonged stressors result in GCR, which, in turn, interferes with appropriate regulation of inflammation. Because inflammation plays an important role in the onset and progression of a wide range of diseases, this model may have broad implications for understanding the role of stress in health.
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Lai JCL, Chong AML, Siu OT, Evans P, Chan CLW, Ho RTH. Social network characteristics and salivary cortisol in healthy older people. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:929067. [PMID: 22489206 PMCID: PMC3317671 DOI: 10.1100/2012/929067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychobiological research on aging in humans has been confounded by individual differences that have not been adequately characterized in the literature. This paper is an attempt to shed light on this issue by examining the impact of social network characteristics predictive of successful aging on salivary cortisol among 78 older Chinese people in Hong Kong. Eight salivary cortisol samples were collected each day for two consecutive days from immediately after awakening to 12 hours later. Two components of the cortisol diurnal cycle, response to awakening and diurnal decline, were examined in relation to social network characteristics including size, emotional support, and cultivation. ANOVAs with repeated measured were run to examine influences of the three social network characteristics on the cortisol awakening response and diurnal decline, with the effects of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and waking time controlled. Results indicated that those who spent more time and effort in developing and strengthening their social ties (i.e., those high in “cultivation”) exhibited a significantly greater rise in cortisol in the morning and a significantly steeper decline over the day, thus attesting to more effective activation and deactivation of the HPA axis. Network cultivation reflected a positive motivation to nurture social relationships more than the other two network characteristics. Its effect on cortisol might stem from the positivity underlying the motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C L Lai
- Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Luecken LJ, Roubinov DS. Pathways to lifespan health following childhood parental death. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2012; 6:243-257. [PMID: 23555319 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00422.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The death of a parent is a profoundly stressful form of childhood adversity, increasing the short- and long-term risk of mental health problems. Emerging research suggests it may also disrupt biological regulatory systems and increase the risk of long-term physical health problems. This article presents a theoretical framework of the process by which the experience of parental death during childhood may influence mental and physical health outcomes over time. Drawing from a broad literature on adaptation following childhood parental loss, we focus on risk and protective factors in the childhood environment that are theoretically and empirically linked to emotional and biological regulatory responses to stress later in life, the effects of which may accumulate to impact long-term health.
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Roozendaal B, Kim S, Wolf OT, Kim MS, Sung KK, Lee S. The cortisol awakening response in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is blunted and correlates with clinical status and depressive mood. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:20-6. [PMID: 21616601 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Revised: 04/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Considerable evidence indicates that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the motor system, has an enormous impact on the patient's emotional and physical well-being. As previous findings indicated that particularly the rise in cortisol levels immediately after awakening, i.e., the cortisol awakening response (CAR), is associated with indices of physical and emotional well-being, we compared the CAR of 29 admitted ALS patients with that of 12 age-matched caregiver controls. Saliva samples for cortisol measurement were collected immediately, 15, 30 and 45 min after awakening. The severity of ALS progression was quantified using the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS) and manual muscle test (MMT). Depressive mood status in ALS patients was determined with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Salivary cortisol levels of ALS patients did not differ from those of caregiver controls at awakening, 15 min or 45 min after awakening, but were significantly lower at 30 min after awakening. Area under the curve analysis confirmed that the CAR was significantly smaller in ALS patients than in caregiver controls. A smaller CAR in ALS patients was significantly correlated to poorer clinical status, as assessed with both the ALSFRS and MMT rating instruments. Further, a smaller CAR significantly correlated with a more severe depressive mood status. No correlations were observed between total cortisol output during the first 45 min post-awakening and clinical or depressive status. In conclusion, our findings indicate that ALS patients show a blunted CAR, correlated with disease and depression severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Anatomy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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Miller GD, Iverson KM, Kemmelmeier M, MacLane C, Pistorello J, Fruzzetti AE, Watkins MM, Pruitt LD, Oser M, Katrichak BM, Erikson KM, Crenshaw KY. A Preliminary Examination of Burnout Among Counselor Trainees Treating Clients With Recent Suicidal Ideation and Borderline Traits. COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND SUPERVISION 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6978.2011.tb01920.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Hulme PA, French JA, Agrawal S. Changes in diurnal salivary cortisol levels in response to an acute stressor in healthy young adults. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2011; 17:339-49. [PMID: 21964999 DOI: 10.1177/1078390311419352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of the diurnal cortisol response to acute stress in healthy individuals can help us better understand the physiological and health effects of chronic stress. OBJECTIVE To compare the diurnal patterns of cortisol secretion of 15 medical students 2 weeks before a major written examination (control phase) and 2 weeks later at the time of the examination (acute stress phase). DESIGN Interrupted time series within-subjects. RESULTS During the acute stress phase, less cortisol was secreted over the course of the day, as demonstrated by a more prolonged and steeper decline in cortisol levels. In addition, higher cortisol levels were present in the evening. Despite these changes in the usual diurnal pattern, overall exposure to cortisol remained the same for both phases. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that specific adaptations to the diurnal pattern of cortisol are made in the face of acute stress, important information for understanding cortisol regulation in health and illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly A Hulme
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5330, USA.
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Lovell B, Moss M, Wetherell MA. Perceived stress, common health complaints and diurnal patterns of cortisol secretion in young, otherwise healthy individuals. Horm Behav 2011; 60:301-5. [PMID: 21722644 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research has frequently linked perceived stress with changes in subjective and objective measures of ill health; however, additional assessment should consider the physiological mechanisms mediating these effects. This study investigated whether differential patterns of cortisol secretion might partially mediate perceived stress related disparities in common health complaints in young, otherwise healthy individuals. To capture the kinds of health complaints commonly reported in this population, the Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness (PILL) was selected. To capture important parameters of the diurnal profile, cortisol was sampled at waking, 30 minutes post waking, 1200 h and 2200 h on three consecutive weekdays. Results revealed flatter diurnal cortisol slopes and elevated mean diurnal output (characterised by HPA hyperactivity in the evening) for participants in the higher stress group. Participants that reported higher perceived levels of stress also reported experiencing common health complaints with markedly greater frequency; however, these disparities were abolished when mean diurnal output of cortisol was statistically controlled. While dysregulation of basal HPA activity has been implicated in the aetiologies of chronic illness, findings reported here implicated hypersecretion of cortisol as one physiological pathway, partially mediating perceived stress related disparities in the kinds of common health complaints that typically affect young, otherwise healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, UK.
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Bell AF, White-Traut R, Wang EC, Schwertz D. Maternal and umbilical artery cortisol at birth: relationships with epidural analgesia and newborn alertness. Biol Res Nurs 2011; 14:269-76. [PMID: 21719528 DOI: 10.1177/1099800411413460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn alertness soon after birth facilitates mother-infant interaction and may be related to umbilical cortisol levels. Yet, little is known about whether epidural analgesia influences umbilical cortisol at birth. AIM The aims of this study were to explore relationships between exposure to epidural analgesia and maternal and umbilical cortisol; maternal and umbilical cortisol levels at birth; and umbilical cortisol and infant alertness after birth. METHOD Forty women were self-selected to unmedicated or epidural labors in this pilot study. Maternal saliva and infant umbilical artery (UA) plasma at birth were enzyme immunoassayed for cortisol. Infant alertness was assessed nearly 1 hr after birth. RESULTS Maternal cortisol was higher in the unmedicated versus epidural group (p = .003). Umbilical cortisol was not related to epidural analgesia exposure but was related to duration of labor (higher cortisol with longer labors; p = .026). Maternal cortisol level explained 55% of the variance in umbilical cortisol in the unmedicated group (p = .002), but there was no significant shared variance in the epidural sample (p = .776). There was a positive correlation (r(2) = .17, p = .008) between umbilical cortisol and infant alertness. Latina infants demonstrated a higher frequency of alertness than Black infants. In multivariate analysis, umbilical cortisol (p = .049) and race/ethnicity (p = .024) remained significant predictors of infant alertness. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that higher umbilical cortisol is related to greater infant alertness soon after birth. While epidural analgesia did not directly relate to infant cortisol, other factors contributed to higher umbilical cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleeca F Bell
- Department of Women Children and Family Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Effort-Reward Imbalance Is Associated With Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Cortisol Secretion in Disability Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2011; 53:308-12. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31820c90b7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Lai JCL, Evans PD, Ng SH, Chong AML, Siu OT, Chan CLW, Ho SMY, Ho RTH, Chan P, Chan CC. Optimism, positive affectivity, and salivary cortisol. Br J Health Psychol 2011; 10:467-84. [PMID: 16238860 DOI: 10.1348/135910705x26083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research on stress and salivary cortisol has focused almost exclusively on the effects of negative psychological conditions or emotional states. Little attention has been drawn to the impact associated with positive psychological conditions, which have been shown recently to have significant influences on neuroendocrine regulation. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of optimism and positive affect on salivary cortisol with the effects of their negative counterparts controlled for. DESIGN Optimism and pessimism, and positive and negative affectivity were studied in relation to the diurnal rhythm of salivary cortisol in a group of 80 Hong Kong Chinese, who provided six saliva samples over the course of a day on two consecutive days. The separate effects of optimism and positive affect on two dynamic components of cortisol secretion, awakening response, and diurnal decline were examined. METHODS Optimism and pessimism were measured using the Chinese version of the revised Life Orientation Test while generalized affects and mood states were assessed by the Chinese Affect Scale. An enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kit (EIA) developed for use in saliva was adopted for the biochemical analysis of cortisol. Testing of major group differences associated with positive psychological conditions was carried out using two-way (group by saliva collection time) ANOVAs for repeated measures with negative psychological conditions and mood states as covariates. RESULTS Participants having higher optimism scores exhibited less cortisol secretion in the awakening period when the effect of pessimism and mood were controlled. This effect was more apparent in men than in women who had higher cortisol levels in the awakening period. Optimism did not have similar effect on cortisol levels during the underlying period of diurnal decline. On the other hand, higher generalized positive affect was associated with lower cortisol levels during the underlying period of diurnal decline after the effects of negative affect and mood states had been controlled. Generalized positive affect did not significantly influence cortisol secretion during the awakening period. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that positive psychological resources including optimism and generalized positive affect had higher impact on cortisol secretion than their negative counterparts, and point to the need for increased attention to the potential contribution of positive mental states to well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C L Lai
- City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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Mangold D, Wand G, Javors M, Mintz J. Acculturation, childhood trauma and the cortisol awakening response in Mexican-American adults. Horm Behav 2010; 58:637-46. [PMID: 20600049 PMCID: PMC2940704 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to chronic and traumatic stress has been associated with the dysregulation of crucial stress response systems. Acculturation has been associated with unique forms of chronic psychosocial stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exposure to early traumatic stress and acculturation on dysregulation of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in Mexican-American adults. Salivary cortisol samples were collected at awakening and 30, 45, and 60 min thereafter, on two consecutive weekdays from 59 healthy Mexican-American adult males (26) and females (33), ages 18-38 years. Participants were assessed for level of acculturation and exposure to early trauma. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects regression model with repeated measures at four time points. Mixed effects regression results indicated a significant Early Trauma x Time interaction (p=.0029) and a significant Acculturation x Time interaction (p=.0015), after controlling for age and sex. Subsequent analyses of the interaction of Trauma x Acculturation x Time showed that more than minimal exposure to either risk factor was associated with attenuation of the awakening cortisol response (p=.0002). Higher levels of acculturation with greater Anglo-orientation were associated with attenuation of the CAR in Mexican-American adults. Both moderate and higher levels of exposure to early trauma were associated with an attenuated CAR. However, greater exposure to both risk factors was only incrementally worse than exposure to either one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Mangold
- The University of Texas at San Antonio, 6900 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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Cortisol awakening response (CAR)'s flexibility leads to larger and more consistent associations with psychological factors than CAR magnitude. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2010; 35:752-7. [PMID: 19959296 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is increasingly recognized as a potential biological marker of psychological and physical health status. Yet, the CAR literature is replete with contradictory results: both supposedly protective and vulnerability psychosocial factors have been associated with both increased and decreased CAR. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the CAR flexibility would be a better indicator of psychological status than CAR magnitude. Forty-two men measures of happiness, perceived stress and neuroticism, and took saliva samples immediately on awakening, then at 15, 30, 45 and 60min post-awakening on three study days (i.e., Sunday, Monday and Tuesday). When considering the CAR magnitude, our effects perfectly reflect the inconsistencies previously observed in the literature (i.e., the main effects of the psychological predictors are not consistent with each other, and the effect of one predictor on a given day contradicts the effect of the same predictor on another day). However, considering the CAR flexibility leads to a fully consistent pattern: protective factors (i.e., high happiness, low stress, low neurotiscim) are associated with a flexible CAR (i.e., lower CAR during weekends compared to workdays) whereas vulnerability factors (i.e., low happiness, high stress, high neurotiscim) are associated with a stiff CAR (i.e., same magnitude during weekends and workdays). We conclude that considering the CAR flexibility (e.g., between weekends and workdays) rather than the traditional CAR magnitude might be a way to understand the apparent conflicts in the CAR literature.
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Hagger-Johnson GE, Whiteman MC, Wawrzyniak AJ, Holroyd WG. The SF-36 component summary scales and the daytime diurnal cortisol profile. Qual Life Res 2010; 19:643-51. [PMID: 20309638 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-010-9626-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Higher daytime cortisol output has been associated with higher levels of perceived stress and worse mental and physical health outcomes. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, such as elevated secretion of daytime cortisol, occurs in many mental and physical illnesses. However, the nature of the association between functional health status and daytime cortisol production has not been established. METHODS Healthy adult volunteers (n=68, 45 females) provided saliva samples 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after waking, for two consecutive days, in everyday settings. Bivariate correlations between log salivary cortisol concentrations were calculated, and the SF-36 component summary scores were calculated. Latent growth curve modeling was used to model the daytime profile and adjust for covariates (age, sex and waking time). RESULTS Higher PCS scores were not associated with cortisol three hours after waking (cortisol intercept), or the diurnal decline (cortisol slope). Higher MCS scores were correlated with faster cortisol decline across the day (r=-.31, P<.01) but not with cortisol intercepts. In a latent growth curve model adjusting for age, sex and waking time, the association was no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Large scale epidemiological studies involving salivary cortisol would benefit from measuring SF-36 component summary scores. Cortisol intercepts and slopes may be differentially related to the PCS and MCS, although greater statistical power is needed to test this hypothesis more fully. Associations between daytime cortisol and the PCS or MCS could reflect the regulatory competence of bodily systems, common causes or unmeasured confounding factors.
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Brant H, Wetherell MA, Lightman S, Crown A, Vedhara K. An exploration into physiological and self-report measures of stress in pre-registration doctors at the beginning and end of a clinical rotation. Stress 2010; 13:155-62. [PMID: 19929317 DOI: 10.3109/10253890903093778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The first year practising medicine, pre-registration, is considered to be a stressful time for junior doctors. The aims of this study were to explore how levels of psychological distress were affected by changes in the working environment and to examine these effects across subjective (i.e. self-report) and objective (i.e. stress hormone cortisol) indices of psychological distress. A cohort of 36 pre-registration house officers (males = 15) completed a battery of psychosocial measures and collected salivary samples for the measurement of diurnal cortisol at the beginning and end of a 3-4-month clinical rotation with the assumption that the end of a rotation would be less stressful than the beginning. Results from the self-report measures remained constant over the two-time points suggesting no perceived change in emotional well-being on a subjective level. However, there is some evidence of neuro-endocrine changes across the two time points suggestive of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. In particular, there was a significant difference between the cortisol awakening rise with the greatest rise seen at the beginning of a rotation. In addition, the daily cortisol decline (diurnal slope) was also significantly less at this test time. These findings have implications for the discord apparent between self-report and physiological measures of psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Brant
- Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Bristol, UK.
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Kudielka BM, Wüst S. Human models in acute and chronic stress: assessing determinants of individual hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and reactivity. Stress 2010; 13:1-14. [PMID: 20105052 DOI: 10.3109/10253890902874913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is one of the most significant health problems in modern societies and the 21st century. This explains a pressing need for investigations into the biological pathways linking stress and health. Besides the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline/autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system ( Chrousos and Gold 1992 ), the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the major physiological stress response system in the body. Since alterations in HPA axis regulation under basal conditions and in response to acute stress appear to be a close correlate or even a determining factor of the onset of different diseases or disease progression ( Holsboer 1989 ; Chrousos and Gold 1992 ; Tsigos and Chrousos 1994, 2002 ; Stratakis and Chrousos 1995 ; McEwen 1998 ; Heim et al. 2000a ; Raison and Miller 2003 ), the characterization of an individual's HPA axis activity as well as reactivity pattern to psychosocial stress appears to be of major interest. It is obvious that such a research agenda substantially depends on the availability of appropriate measures. However, since the HPA axis is a highly adaptive system which is characterized by marked inter- and intraindividual variability ( Mason 1968 ; Hellhammer et al. 2009 ), the development of such markers of HPA axis regulation in humans was-and still is-a rather challenging task. In this brief review, we focus on findings on two HPA axis measures, namely the cortisol-awakening response (CAR) to assess HPA axis basal activity and the Trier social stress test (TSST) to investigate HPA axis stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte M Kudielka
- Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
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Lovallo WR, Robinson JL, Glahn DC, Fox PT. Acute effects of hydrocortisone on the human brain: an fMRI study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2010; 35:15-20. [PMID: 19836143 PMCID: PMC2795004 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol is essential for regulating all cell types in the body, including those in the brain. Most information concerning cortisol's cerebral effects comes from work in nonhumans. This is a first effort to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the time course and locus of cortisol's effects on selected brain structures in resting humans. We repeatedly scanned 21 healthy young adults over 45 min to examine changes in the brain's activity 5 min before, and for 40 min after, an IV injection of 10mg of hydrocortisone (N=11) or saline placebo (N=10). At 15-18 min postinjection we observed in the hydrocortisone group reduced activity in the hippocampus and amygdala that reached a peak response minimum at 25-30 min postinjection (-1 Standard Deviation) relative to placebo. No such effect was seen in the thalamus. Functional MRI appears to be a safe, noninvasive method to study the time course and anatomical effects of glucocorticoids in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Lovallo
- Behavioral Sciences Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA,Corresponding Author: Behavioral Sciences Laboratories (151A), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA, 405.456.3124 Tel; 405.456.1839 FAX;
| | - Jennifer L. Robinson
- Neuroimaging Core, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA, Research Imaging Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - David C. Glahn
- Neuroimaging Core, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Peter T. Fox
- Neuroimaging Core, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA, Research Imaging Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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Rademaker AR, Kleber RJ, Geuze E, Vermetten E. Personality dimensions harm avoidance and self-directedness predict the cortisol awakening response in military men. Biol Psychol 2009; 81:177-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Fries E, Dettenborn L, Kirschbaum C. The cortisol awakening response (CAR): Facts and future directions. Int J Psychophysiol 2009; 72:67-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2008.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 829] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2007] [Revised: 03/11/2008] [Accepted: 03/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Oskis A, Loveday C, Hucklebridge F, Thorn L, Clow A. Diurnal patterns of salivary cortisol across the adolescent period in healthy females. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34:307-16. [PMID: 18952383 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2008] [Revised: 09/14/2008] [Accepted: 09/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
When examining the diurnal profile of the hormone cortisol in children and adolescents developmental issues are particularly relevant. Previous findings regarding relationships between cortisol secretory activity and reproductive (pubertal) maturation lack clarity and may reflect methodological inconsistencies between studies. This study examined the diurnal cortisol profile across female adolescence, with a particular focus on an obvious and unique marker of development: menarche. In a cross-sectional design, 61 healthy female adolescents aged 9-18 years (mean age 13.89 years, S.D.+/-2.72) collected eight saliva samples per day on two consecutive weekdays. Samples were collected at awakening, 15, 30 and 45min and 3, 6, 9 and 12h post-awakening in order to capture both the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and the subsequent period of decline. Demographic information was recorded and participants also completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Patterns of cortisol secretion exhibited good intra-individual stability across the two sampling days. Participants evidenced a robust diurnal pattern, with cortisol levels peaking approximately 30-45min post-awakening (the CAR) and steadily declining concentrations over the remainder of the day. Differences according to developmental status (in terms of whether or not participants had experienced first menses: menarche) were observed in the time of peak secretion of the CAR, and these distinct patterns could not be accounted for by group differences in demographic, situational or psychological characteristics measured in this study. This effect for the CAR was associated with the onset of menarche alone, unlike cortisol levels over the remainder of the day. For those who had undergone menarche, were older and of greater BMI, cortisol levels remained higher over the day. There was a significant difference in cortisol concentrations at 6h post-awakening between pre- and post-menarche groups. Again, these differences in daytime cortisol secretory activity could not be attributed to situational or psychological factors. Establishing patterns of cortisol secretion in healthy female adolescents provides an important baseline from which to investigate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) physiology, measured via salivary cortisol, in adolescent populations with known or suspected psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oskis
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2UW, UK
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Chida Y, Steptoe A. Cortisol awakening response and psychosocial factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biol Psychol 2009; 80:265-78. [PMID: 19022335 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 694] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Revised: 09/26/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Chida
- Psychobiology Group, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, United Kingdom.
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Ferguson E. Health anxiety moderates the daytime cortisol slope. J Psychosom Res 2008; 64:487-94. [PMID: 18440401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2008.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Revised: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Edwards et al. argue that a steeper daytime cortisol slope indicates increased symptom awareness [Edwards S, Hucklebridge F, Clow A, Evans P. Components of the diurnal cortisol cycle in relation to upper respiratory symptoms and perceived stress. Psychosom Med, 2003;65:320-7]. Theory suggests that health anxiety (HA) is associated with increased symptom awareness. Therefore, this study tests the hypothesis that higher levels of HA are associated with a steeper daytime cortisol slope and is the first to examine the daytime diurnal cortisol slope for HA. METHODS Forty-two healthy working adults completed measures of HA and neuroticism as well as indices to measure the severity and frequency of symptom reporting. Participants also provided eight consecutive days of salivary cortisol data. Two cortisol measures were taken each day -- once prior to lunch and once in the early evening -- the timing of these was synchronized to waking times. The data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. RESULTS The hypothesis was supported, with those scoring higher on HA showing a steeper daytime cortisol slope. There were no significant relationships between cortisol (average production and slope) and either neuroticism or symptom reporting (severity and frequency). CONCLUSIONS The results are interpreted as consistent with theories of HA that emphasis increased awareness of nonspecific symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Ferguson
- Risk Analysis, Social Processes and Health (RASPH) Group, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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Carlson LE, Campbell TS, Garland SN, Grossman P. Associations among Salivary Cortisol, Melatonin, Catecholamines, Sleep Quality and Stress in Women with Breast Cancer and Healthy Controls. J Behav Med 2007; 30:45-58. [PMID: 17245618 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-006-9082-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2006] [Accepted: 10/11/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulations in several biological systems in breast cancer patients have been reported, including abnormalities in endocrine and sympathetic nervous system indices, as well as psychological disturbances and sleep disorders. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare women with breast cancer to healthy control women on measures of salivary cortisol, urinary catecholamines, overnight urinary melatonin, and self-reported sleep quality, symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety and mood disturbance, to determine if discernable patterns of dysregulations across systems were apparent. Thirty-three women were tested in each group, with an average age of approximately 52 years, primarily Caucasian and well-educated. Forty percent of the women with breast cancer had stage 2 disease and they were an average of 1.36 years post-diagnosis. Women with breast cancer had significantly higher levels of disturbance on all the psychological indices, but there were no differences between groups on any of the biological measures, with the exception that the control women had higher dopamine values than the participants with breast cancer. None of the psychological scores were correlated with the biological measures. These results are consistent with other studies of early-stage breast cancer and highlight the importance of considering disease characteristics when investigating endocrine and sympathetic nervous system functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E Carlson
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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