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Berger É, Larose MP, Capuano F, Letarte MJ, Geoffroy MC, Lupien S, Brendgen M, Boivin M, Vitaro F, Tremblay R, Masse B, Côté S, Ouellet-Morin I. Hair steroid before and after COVID-19 in preschoolers: the moderation of family characteristics. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107072. [PMID: 38733756 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107072] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent or prolonged exposure to stressors may jeopardize young children's health. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with disruptions in daily routines and social isolation resulting from public health preventive measures, have raised concerns about its potential impact on children' experienced stress, particularly for young children and vulnerable families. However, whether the pandemic was accompanied by changes in physiological stress remains unknown as perceived stress is not a good proxy of physiological stress. This study examined if preschoolers showed increasing hair steroid concentrations following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether family characteristics may have exacerbated or buffered these changes. METHODS 136 preschoolers (2-4 years) provided hair for steroid measurement (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisone, cortisol-to-DHEA ratio, cortisol-to-cortisone ratio) in October-November 2019 (T0) and in July-August 2020 (T1). A 2-centimeter hair segment was analyzed, reflecting steroid production over the two months leading up to collection. Family income, conflict resolution and lack of cohesion, as well as parents' COVID-19 stress were reported by parents. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and Bayes factors were used. RESULTS No significant changes were noted from before to after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for most hair steroids. However, a moderating role of family conflict resolution was noted. Children living with parents with a better ability to resolve conflicts had lower levels of DHEA compared to those who had more difficulty managing conflicts. Additionally, lower levels of family cohesion and income were linked to some steroids, especially DHEA, suggesting that these factors may relate to children's physiological stress. Finally, boys had higher DHEA levels than girls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that stress biomarkers were comparable from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. This observation holds true despite the pandemic being perceived by many as a novel, unpredictable, and potentially threatening event. Findings further suggest that family characteristics are associated with hair steroid, especially DHEA, which deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éloise Berger
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Larose
- INVEST Flagship Research Center/Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - France Capuano
- Department of Education and Specialized Training, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- Department of Psychiatry McGill University, Montreal, Canada; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonia Lupien
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada; Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Department Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Ste Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Group on Child Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Richard Tremblay
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Benoît Masse
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- Research Group on Child Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada.
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Zainal NH, Soh CP, Van Doren N. Daily stress reactivity and risk appraisal mediates childhood parental abuse predicting adulthood psychopathology severity: An 18-year longitudinal mediation analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 358:138-149. [PMID: 38663555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Identifying mechanisms of childhood abuse-adulthood psychopathology relations could facilitate preventive efforts, but most prior studies used cross-sectional or two-wave designs and did not test the effects of childhood maternal and paternal abuse separately. Our 18-year three-wave study thus determined if Wave 2 daily stress reactivity and risk appraisal severity mediated Wave 1 retrospectively-reported childhood maternal and paternal abuse on Wave 3 generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder (PD), alcohol (AUD), and substance use disorder (SUD) self-rated symptom severity. Longitudinal structural equation modeling was employed, adjusting for Wave 1 psychopathology severity. Higher childhood maternal and paternal abuse consistently predicted greater future daily stress reactivity and risk appraisal, and these mediators subsequently predicted increased GAD, MDD, and PD, but not AUD and SUD severity. Daily stress reactivity and risk appraisal consistently mediated the pathways between childhood maternal and paternal abuse predicting heightened adulthood GAD, MDD, and PD (Cohen's d = 0.333-0.888) but not AUD and SUD severity. Mediation effect sizes were stronger for childhood maternal (24.5-83.0%) than paternal (19.5-56.0%) abuse as the predictor. The latent interaction between Wave 1 childhood maternal and paternal abuse did not moderate the effect of Wave 1 maternal or paternal abuse on any Wave 3 adulthood psychopathology severity through Wave 2 daily stress reactivity and risk appraisal. Our research emphasizes the urgent requirement for continuous evaluation and intervention initiatives in trauma-informed care, both in inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, United States of America; National University of Singapore, Department of Psychology, Singapore.
| | - Chui Pin Soh
- National University of Singapore, Department of Psychology, Singapore
| | - Natalia Van Doren
- University of California at San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, United States of America
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3
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Fogarty A, Brown S, Gartland D, McMahon G, FitzPatrick K, Seymour M, Kimber M, MacMillan H, Giallo R. Patterns of intimate partner violence exposure across the first 10 years of life and children's emotional-behavioural outcomes at 10 years. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 153:106814. [PMID: 38701670 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with emotional-behavioural problems. However, little is known about children's emotional-behavioural outcomes following exposure to different long-term patterns of IPV. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to investigate the emotional-behavioural functioning of children at 10 years of age following exposure to different patterns of IPV across the first 10 years of life. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data for this study was drawn from the Mothers' and Young People's Study- a longitudinal study of 1507 first time mothers and their first born child. METHODS Women were recruited during pregnancy from six public hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Data was collected during pregnancy, and at one, four and ten years postpartum. Four patterns of IPV exposure were previously identified: (a) minimal IPV exposure; (b) early IPV; (c) Increasing IPV; and (d) persistent IPV. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between IPV exposure and emotional-behavioural outcomes. RESULTS Exposure to early, increasing, or persistent IPV was associated with increased odds of experiencing emotional-behavioural difficulties (OR 2.15-2.97). Children exposed to a persistent pattern of IPV experienced over 6 times the odds of conduct problems (OR = 6.15 CI = 2.3-16.44). CONCLUSIONS Children exposed to early, increasing, or persistent IPV experienced increased odds of emotional-behavioural problems at age 10, regardless of the duration or type of violence they were exposed to. However, children exposed to persistent IPV across childhood appeared to experience the highest odds of emotional-behavioural difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Fogarty
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong 3125, Australia.
| | - Stephanie Brown
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, 780 Elizabeth St, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Deirdre Gartland
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Grace McMahon
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Kelly FitzPatrick
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Monique Seymour
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong 3125, Australia
| | - Melissa Kimber
- Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Oxford Centre for Child Studies, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harriet MacMillan
- Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Oxford Centre for Child Studies, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong 3125, Australia
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Stroud CB, Chen FR, Navarro E, Gim H, Benjamin I, Doane LD. Unique and interactive effects of threat and deprivation on latent trait cortisol among emerging adults. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22494. [PMID: 38698641 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Though considerable work supports the Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology, prior research has not tested whether the dimensions-threat (e.g., abuse) and deprivation (e.g., neglect)-are uniquely related to salivary trait indicators of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity. We examined the unique and interactive effects of threat and deprivation on latent trait cortisol (LTC)-and whether these effects were modified by co-occurring adversities. Emerging adults (n = 90; Mage = 19.36 years; 99.88% cisgender women) provided salivary cortisol samples four times a day (waking, 30 min and 45 min postwaking, bedtime) over three 3-day measurement waves over 13 weeks. Contextual life stress interviews assessed early adversity. Though the effects varied according to the conceptualization of early adversity, overall, threat-but not deprivation, nor other co-occurring adversities-was uniquely associated with the across-wave LTC. Specifically, the incidence and frequency of threat were each negatively related to the across-wave LTC. Threat severity was also associated with the across-wave LTC, but only among those with no deprivation. Finally, the effects of threat were modified by other co-occurring adversities. Findings suggest that threat has unique implications for individual differences in HPA axis activity among emerging adults, and that co-occurring adversities modify such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine B Stroud
- Department of Psychology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frances R Chen
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Esmeralda Navarro
- Department of Psychology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Haelynn Gim
- Department of Psychology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isabel Benjamin
- Department of Psychology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leah D Doane
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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5
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Marsland AL, Jones E, Reed RG, Walsh CP, Natale BN, Lindsay EK, Ewing LJ. Childhood trauma and hair cortisol response over the year following onset of a chronic life event stressor. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107039. [PMID: 38581748 PMCID: PMC11139569 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood trauma may contribute to poor lifelong health in part through programming of the HPA-axis response to future life stressors. To date, empirical evidence shows an association of childhood trauma with dysregulation of the HPA-axis and blunted cortisol reactivity to acute stressors. Here, we conduct an initial examination of childhood trauma as a moderator of changes over time in perceived stress levels and HPA-axis response to a major chronic stressor in adulthood. METHODS Participants were 83 maternal caregivers of children newly diagnosed with cancer who completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and who, over the year following their child's cancer diagnosis, had hair samples collected up to 7 times for the assessment of cortisol and completed monthly measures of perceived stress. RESULTS CTQ scores were in the expected range for a community sample and associated with changes in perceived stress and cortisol concentration over time (γ =.003, p =.002; γ = -.0004, p =.008, respectively) independently of age, education, treatment intensity and randomization to stress management intervention. Maternal caregivers who endorsed lower childhood trauma showed a steeper decline in perceived stress and a larger increase in cortisol levels across the year than caregivers who recalled more childhood trauma. CONCLUSIONS Findings extend animal models and studies that examine cortisol reactivity to acute stressors and suggest that childhood trauma may program a phenotype that is more psychologically reactive but shows a blunted HPA-axis response to chronic stress. While adaptive in the short-term, this early life programming may incur long-term costs for health. Further work is warranted to examine this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Catherine P Walsh
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA
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Lee Y, Donahue GZ, Buthmann JL, Uy JP, Gotlib IH. The cortisol/DHEA ratio mediates the association between early life stress and externalizing problems in adolescent boys. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107034. [PMID: 38554595 PMCID: PMC11139564 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite evidence that early life stress (ELS) can influence the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and increase maladaptive behaviors in adolescence, less attention has been paid to the role of the coordinated effects of the two primary adrenal hormones, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in these associations. METHODS 138 typically developing adolescents (76 females) reported the stressful events experienced during childhood and early adolescence across 30 domains. Two years later we assessed levels of externalizing problems and obtained salivary levels of cortisol and DHEA. Using causal moderated mediation analyses, we examined whether the ratio of cortisol to DHEA (CD ratio) mediates the association between ELS and subsequent externalizing problems. RESULTS We found that ELS is associated with both a lower CD ratio and more externalizing problems. Importantly, a lower CD ratio mediated the association between ELS and externalizing problems in boys. CONCLUSIONS An imbalance in adrenal hormones may be a mechanism through which ELS leads to an increase in externalizing problems in adolescent boys. These findings underscore the utility of using the CD ratio to index HPA-axis functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonji Lee
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
| | | | - Jessica L Buthmann
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jessica P Uy
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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7
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Creasey N, Leijten P, Overbeek G, Tollenaar MS. Incredible years parenting program buffers prospective association between parent-reported harsh parenting and epigenetic age deceleration in children with externalizing behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107043. [PMID: 38593711 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107043] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Harsh parenting has been shown to increase the risk of physical and mental health problems in later life. To improve our understanding of these risks and how they can be mitigated, we investigated associations of harsh parenting with a clinically relevant biomarker, epigenetic age deviation (EAD), using data from a randomized-control trial of the Incredible Years (IY) parenting program. This study included 281 children aged 4-8 years who were screened for heightened externalizing behavior and whose parents were randomly allocated to either IY or care-as-usual (CAU). Parents reported on their own parenting practices and their child's externalizing behavior at baseline and at a follow-up assessment approximately three years later. Epigenetic age, based on the Pediatric Buccal Epigenetic (PedBE) clock, was estimated from child DNA methylation derived from saliva collected at the follow-up assessment. PedBE clock estimates were regressed on chronological age as a measure of EAD. Moderation analyses using multiple regression revealed that harsher parenting at baseline predicted epigenetic age deceleration in children that received CAU (b = -.21, 95% CI[-0.37, -0.05]), but no association was found in children whose parents were allocated to IY (b = -.02, 95% CI [-0.13, 0.19]). These results highlight a prospective association between harsh parenting and children's EAD and indicate a potential ameliorating effect of preventive intervention. Future work is needed to replicate these findings and understand individual differences in children's responses to harsh parenting in relation to epigenetic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Creasey
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, Division of Psychology & Language Sciences, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Patty Leijten
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geertjan Overbeek
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke S Tollenaar
- Institute of Psychology & Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, the Netherlands
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Delaney KR, Gomes M, Browne NT, Jordan D, Snethen J, Lewis-O'Connor A, Horowitz JA, Cogan R, Duderstadt KG. The mental and behavioral health crisis in youth: Strategic solutions post COVID-19 pandemic: An American Academy of Nuring consensus paper. Nurs Outlook 2024; 72:102177. [PMID: 38901064 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic wrought significant negative impacts on youth well-being, particularly among Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) youth. The pandemic disrupted connections to family, school, and community, which are essential supports for youth mental health. Lessons learned from the pandemic suggest the role of stress and windows of opportunity to build resiliency. Drawing from a policy dialog on the youth mental health crisis conducted by 4 American Academy of Nursing Expert Panels, we present approaches to the current increase in youth mental health problems. Included is emerging literature on building youth resilience, particularly via re-establishing school and community connections. The role of families, schools, and community support is emphasized, particularly by creating a healing school environment and the pivotal role of school nurses. Recommendations include increased support for families, engaging the school nurse role, and developing school-based innovative programs to build connections and youth wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Gomes
- Psychiatric, Mental Health, and Substance Use Expert Panel; Health Equity Expert Panel
| | | | - Dorothy Jordan
- Psychiatric, Mental Health, and Substance Use Expert Panel
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Brett BE, Vacaru S, Beijers R, de Weerth C. Infant colic and HPA axis development across childhood. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:106965. [PMID: 38493596 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.106965] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the long-term impact of infant colic on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis development and the moderating role of attachment security, in a low-risk Dutch sample of 193 children. We assessed infant colic at 6 weeks, circadian cortisol concentrations at ages 1, 2.5, 6, and 10 years, and attachment security at 1 year. Findings indicated that infant colic was associated with steeper diurnal cortisol slopes and slightly higher cortisol concentrations throughout childhood. Attachment security did not moderate these associations. This is the first study to reveal a link between infant colic and the development of the HPA axis in healthy children beyond infancy. These findings have important implications for understanding early risk and protective factors in the stress system's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie E Brett
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Stefania Vacaru
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roseriet Beijers
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Developmental Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Montessorilaan 3, Nijmegen 6525HR, the Netherlands
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Duffy KA, Sammel MD, Johnson RL, Morrison KE, Bale TL, Epperson CN. Sex differences in stress-induced cortisol response among infants of mothers exposed to childhood adversity. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01350-7. [PMID: 38821195 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for mental illness in women and their children, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may play a role. The impact of ACEs on the HPA axis may be strongest when ACEs occur prepubertally and in those exposed to abuse ACEs. METHODS To test this, we measured salivary cortisol in 96 mother-infant dyads while mothers were separated from their infant experiencing a laboratory stressor. Mothers completed the ACE questionnaire, ACEs occurring prepubertally (pACEs) were measured, and mother-infant dyads were grouped based on maternal pACE history: no pACEs, 1+ pACEs with abuse, or 1+ pACEs but no abuse. RESULTS Mothers with 1+ pACEs exhibited decreases in cortisol (relative to pre-infant stressor), which differed significantly from the cortisol increase mothers with no pACEs experienced, regardless of abuse presence (p=.001) or absence (p=.002). These 1+ pACE groups did not differ from one another (p=.929). Significant sex differences in infant cortisol were observed in infants of mothers with 1+ pACEs (regardless of abuse) but not in infants of mothers with no pACEs. When mothers had 1+ pACEs, males showed decreases in cortisol in response to a stressor whereas females demonstrated increases, and males and females differed significantly when their mothers had 1+ pACEs with (p=0.025) and without (p=0.032) abuse. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of maternal exposure to childhood abuse, in response to a stressor, prepubertal ACEs were associated with lower cortisol response in mothers and sex differences in six-month-old infants, with males showing a lower cortisol response than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korrina A Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Rinne GR, Podosin M, Mahrer NE, Shalowitz MU, Ramey SL, Dunkel Schetter C. Prospective associations of prenatal stress with child behavior: Moderation by the early childhood caregiving environment. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38738363 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can increase risk for psychopathology but postnatal caregiving may offset risk. This study tests whether maternal sensitivity and the home environment during early childhood modify associations of prenatal stress with offspring behavior in a sample of 127 mother-child pairs (n = 127). Mothers reported on perceived stress during pregnancy. Maternal sensitivity was rated by coders during a parent-child free play task when children were 4 years old. One year later, mothers reported on the home environment, child internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and children completed an assessment of inhibitory control. As hypothesized, the early childhood caregiving environment modified associations of prenatal stress with child behavior. Specifically, prenatal stress was associated with more internalizing behaviors at lower levels of maternal sensitivity and in home environments that were lower in emotional support and cognitive stimulation, but not at mean or higher levels. Furthermore, prenatal stress was associated with lower inhibitory control only at lower levels of maternal sensitivity, but not at higher levels. Maternal sensitivity and an emotionally supportive and cognitively stimulating home environment in early childhood may be important factors that mitigate risk for mental health problems among children exposed to prenatal stress.
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Aristodemou ME, Kievit RA, Murray AL, Eisner M, Ribeaud D, Fried EI. Common Cause Versus Dynamic Mutualism: An Empirical Comparison of Two Theories of Psychopathology in Two Large Longitudinal Cohorts. Clin Psychol Sci 2024; 12:380-402. [PMID: 38827924 PMCID: PMC11136614 DOI: 10.1177/21677026231162814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Mental disorders are among the leading causes of global disease burden. To respond effectively, a strong understanding of the structure of psychopathology is critical. We empirically compared two competing frameworks, dynamic-mutualism theory and common-cause theory, that vie to explain the development of psychopathology. We formalized these theories in statistical models and applied them to explain change in the general factor of psychopathology (p factor) from early to late adolescence (N = 1,482) and major depression in middle adulthood and old age (N = 6,443). Change in the p factor was better explained by mutualism according to model-fit indices. However, a core prediction of mutualism was not supported (i.e., predominantly positive causal interactions among distinct domains). The evidence for change in depression was more ambiguous. Our results support a multicausal approach to understanding psychopathology and showcase the value of translating theories into testable statistical models for understanding developmental processes in clinical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Aristodemou
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University
- Donders Center for Medical Neurosciences, Radboud University Medical Center
| | - Rogier A. Kievit
- Donders Center for Medical Neurosciences, Radboud University Medical Center
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
| | - Aja L. Murray
- School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh
| | - Manuel Eisner
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich
| | - Denis Ribeaud
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich
| | - Eiko I. Fried
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University
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13
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Lin A, Mertens AN, Rahman MZ, Tan ST, Il'yasova D, Spasojevic I, Ali S, Stewart CP, Fernald LCH, Kim L, Yan L, Meyer A, Karim MR, Shahriar S, Shuman G, Arnold BF, Hubbard AE, Famida SL, Akther S, Hossen MS, Mutsuddi P, Shoab AK, Shalev I, Rahman M, Unicomb L, Heaney CD, Kariger P, Colford JM, Luby SP, Granger DA. A cluster-randomized trial of water, sanitation, handwashing and nutritional interventions on stress and epigenetic programming. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3572. [PMID: 38670986 PMCID: PMC11053067 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47896-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A regulated stress response is essential for healthy child growth and development trajectories. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial in rural Bangladesh (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01590095) to assess the effects of an integrated nutritional, water, sanitation, and handwashing intervention on child health. We previously reported on the primary outcomes of the trial, linear growth and caregiver-reported diarrhea. Here, we assessed additional prespecified outcomes: physiological stress response, oxidative stress, and DNA methylation (N = 759, ages 1-2 years). Eight neighboring pregnant women were grouped into a study cluster. Eight geographically adjacent clusters were block-randomized into the control or the combined nutrition, water, sanitation, and handwashing (N + WSH) intervention group (receiving nutritional counseling and lipid-based nutrient supplements, chlorinated drinking water, upgraded sanitation, and handwashing with soap). Participants and data collectors were not masked, but analyses were masked. There were 358 children (68 clusters) in the control group and 401 children (63 clusters) in the intervention group. We measured four F2-isoprostanes isomers (iPF(2α)-III; 2,3-dinor-iPF(2α)-III; iPF(2α)-VI; 8,12-iso-iPF(2α)-VI), salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol, and methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) exon 1F promoter including the NGFI-A binding site. Compared with control, the N + WSH group had lower concentrations of F2-isoprostanes isomers (differences ranging from -0.16 to -0.19 log ng/mg of creatinine, P < 0.01), elevated post-stressor cortisol (0.24 log µg/dl; P < 0.01), higher cortisol residualized gain scores (0.06 µg/dl; P = 0.023), and decreased methylation of the NGFI-A binding site (-0.04; P = 0.037). The N + WSH intervention enhanced adaptive responses of the physiological stress system in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrie Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| | - Andrew N Mertens
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Md Ziaur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sophia T Tan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dora Il'yasova
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ivan Spasojevic
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- PK/PD Core Laboratory, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shahjahan Ali
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christine P Stewart
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Kim
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Md Rabiul Karim
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sunny Shahriar
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gabrielle Shuman
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin F Arnold
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alan E Hubbard
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Syeda L Famida
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Salma Akther
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saheen Hossen
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Palash Mutsuddi
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abul K Shoab
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Leanne Unicomb
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patricia Kariger
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - John M Colford
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P Luby
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Douglas A Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Lü W, Ma Y, Wei X, Zhang L. Social interaction anxiety and sleep quality in youth: Individual difference in childhood adversity and cardiac vagal control. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:681-688. [PMID: 38272358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.136] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social interaction anxiety and sleep problems are prevalent during adolescence. Social interaction anxiety undermines sleep quality, however, little is known whether the association between social interaction anxiety and sleep quality is moderated by environmental factors such as childhood adversity and individual factors such as cardiac vagal control. This study sought to investigate the moderating effects of childhood adversity and cardiac vagal control on the link between social interaction anxiety and sleep quality. METHOD The Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were administered to 274 adolescents, who received 3-min resting ECG recording to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as an index of cardiac vagal control. RESULTS Social interaction anxiety was negatively associated with sleep quality, and this association was moderated by childhood adversity and cardiac vagal control. In specific, social interaction anxiety was negatively associated with sleep quality among adolescents with low childhood adversity regardless of cardiac vagal control. Sleep quality was generally disrupted when adolescents exposed to high childhood adversity, but the negative association between social interaction anxiety and sleep quality among adolescents with high childhood adversity could be amortized by high cardiac vagal control. LIMITATIONS Cross-sectional design precluded establishing causality among variables. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that high cardiac vagal control reflecting better self-regulation might buffer the negative effect of social interaction anxiety on sleep quality particularly among adolescents exposed to early life stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lü
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shaanxi Key Research Center for Children Mental and Behavior Health, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, China.
| | - Yunqingli Ma
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shaanxi Key Research Center for Children Mental and Behavior Health, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, China
| | - Xiaomin Wei
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shaanxi Key Research Center for Children Mental and Behavior Health, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, China
| | - Liangyi Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, Shaanxi Key Research Center for Children Mental and Behavior Health, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, China
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15
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Sullivan ADW, Roubinov D, Noroña-Zhou AN, Bush NR. Do dyadic interventions impact biomarkers of child health? A state-of-the-science narrative review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 162:106949. [PMID: 38295654 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106949] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life adversity is related to numerous poor health outcomes in childhood; however, dyadic interventions that promote sensitive and responsive caregiving may protect children from the negative consequences of such exposures. To date, quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the impact of dyadic interventions on a range of individual biomarkers in children, which may elucidate the relation between early stress exposure and transdiagnostic risk factors for prospective poor health. However, the content of interventions, analytic strategies, and findings vary widely across studies, obscuring key themes in the science and hindering policy and research efforts. METHODS We use a narrative approach to review findings from methodologically rigorous (predominantly RCT) studies of dyadic interventions' impacts on different biomarkers in children, including indicators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, parasympathetic (PNS) and sympathetic nervous systems (SNS), brain development, inflammation, and intracellular DNA processes. We contribute to this important area of inquiry through integrating findings across biological systems and identifying contextual and mechanistic factors to depict the current state of the field. RESULTS Evidence suggests dyadic interventions improved PNS functioning and advanced brain maturation. Some studies indicated interventions reduced hair cortisol concentrations, systemic inflammation, and resulted in differences in DNA methylation patterns. Findings did not support main effect-level change in salivary measures of HPA axis activity, SNS activity, or telomere length. Importantly, reviewed studies indicated significant heterogeneity in effects across biological systems, underscoring the importance of contextual factors (e.g., adversity subtype and severity) as potential moderators of effects. Further, findings suggested enhanced parenting behaviors may be a mechanism through which dyadic interventions operate on biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS We close with future policy and research directions, emphasizing the promise of biologically-informed dyadic interventions for understanding and ameliorating the effects of early adversity on transdiagnostic biomarkers of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D W Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Danielle Roubinov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Amanda N Noroña-Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, UCSF, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, UCSF, USA.
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16
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Donovan A, Assari S, Grella C, Shaheen M, Richter L, Friedman TC. Neuroendocrine mechanisms in the links between early life stress, affect, and youth substance use: A conceptual model for the study of sex and gender differences. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101121. [PMID: 38253240 PMCID: PMC11088508 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is defined as an acute or chronic stressor that negatively impacts a child's development. ELS is associated with substance use and mental health problems. This narrative literature review focuses on sex and gender differences in the effects of ELS on 1) adolescent neuroendocrine development; 2) pubertal brain maturation; and 3) development of internalizing symptoms and subsequent substance use. We posit that ELS may generate larger hormonal dysregulation in females than males during puberty, increasing internalizing symptoms and substance use. Future research should consider sex and gender differences in neuroendocrine developmental processes when studying the link between ELS and negative health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Donovan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Christine Grella
- Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 10911 Weyburn Ave, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90024-2886, USA.
| | - Magda Shaheen
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Linda Richter
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; Partnership to End Addiction, 711 Third Ave, 5(th) Floor, Suite 500, New York City, NY 10017, USA.
| | - Theodore C Friedman
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
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17
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Amedick G, Krylova M, Mayer K, Izyurov I, Herrmann L, Martens L, Kasties V, Heller J, Li M, van der Meer J, Croy I, Engert V, Walter M, Colic L. Association among childhood adversity and susceptibility to interference during varying salience: two studies in healthy males. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7050. [PMID: 38528096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood adversity, a prevalent experience, is related to a higher risk for externalizing and internalizing psychopathology. Alterations in the development of cognitive processes, for example in the attention-interference domain may link childhood adversity and psychopathology. Interfering stimuli can vary in their salience, i.e. ability to capture attentional focus, and valence. However, it is not known if interference by salience or valence is associated with self-reported adversity. In two independent study samples of healthy men (Study 1: n = 44; mean age [standard deviation (SD)] = 25.9 [3.4] years; Study 2: n = 37; 43.5 [9.7] years) we used the attention modulation task (AMT) that probed interference by two attention-modulating conditions, salience and valence separately across repeated target stimuli. The AMT measures the effects of visual distractors (pictures) on the performance of auditory discrimination tasks (target stimuli). We hypothesized that participants reporting higher levels of childhood adversity, measured with the childhood trauma questionnaire, would show sustained interference in trials with lower salience. Due to conflicting reports on the valence-modulation, we tested the valence condition in an exploratory manner. Linear mixed models revealed an interaction between reported childhood adversity and the salience condition across tone presentations in both study samples (Sample 1: p = .03; Sample 2: p = .04), while there were no effects for the valence condition across both studies. Our study suggests that higher self-reported childhood adversity is related to faster processing of target cues during high salience, but slower during low salience conditions. These results hint to the mechanisms linking childhood adversity and psychopathological symptoms in the attentional domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Amedick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina Krylova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Kathrin Mayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Igor Izyurov
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Luisa Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Louise Martens
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Kasties
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Heller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Center for Mental Health, Hospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Johan van der Meer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilona Croy
- Institute for Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, partner site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Jena, Germany
| | - Veronika Engert
- German Center for Mental Health, partner site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, partner site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lejla Colic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- German Center for Mental Health, partner site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Jena, Germany.
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18
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Orvieto R, Shamir C, Aizer A. Does extreme psychological burden (Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023) affect in vitro fertilization outcome? J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03099-5. [PMID: 38520617 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate the effect of extreme emotional and psychological trauma following Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, on IVF cycle outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study population consisted of all couples undergoing 2 consecutive IVF attempts with ovum pick-up in our institute, before and during the week of October 8th to 12th, 2023. Embryological/ laboratory variables of the IVF cycles were assessed and compared between the patients' IVF cycle before and those that underwent OPU during the spoken week. RESULTS Twenty-three couples were eligible for analysis. There were no differences between the cycles in the length of ovarian stimulation, total dose of gonadotropin used, and the peak estradiol and progesterone levels. Furthermore, while no differences were observed in the number of oocytes and mature oocytes retrieved or fertilization rate, the mean number of top-quality embryos per OPU (1.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 2.9; p < 0.02) and ratio of top-quality embryos per number of fertilized oocytes (0.5 ± 0.3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2; p < 0.01) were significantly lower during the spoken week. Semen total motile count was significantly reduced during the spoken week. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, we are witness to the effect of acute emotional and psychological trauma on IVF outcome, as reflected by its detrimental effect on sperm and embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Orvieto
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Coral Shamir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adva Aizer
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Sigrist C, Ottaviani C, Baumeister-Lingens L, Bussone S, Pesca C, Kaess M, Carola V, Koenig J. A sex-specific pathway linking early life maltreatment, vagal activity, and depressive symptoms. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2325247. [PMID: 38512074 PMCID: PMC10962311 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2325247] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Experiences of early life maltreatment (ELM) are alarmingly common and represent a risk factor for the development of psychopathology, particularly depression. Research has focused on alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning as a mediator of negative mental health outcomes associated with ELM. Early alterations in autonomic vagal activity (vmHRV) may moderate the relationship between ELM and depression, particularly when considering forms of emotional maltreatment. Recent evidence suggests that the relationships of both ELM and vmHRV with depression may be non-linear, particularly considering females.Objective: Building on and extending theoretical considerations and previous work, the present work aims to further the current understanding of the complex relationships between ELM exposure, vmHRV, and depression.Methods: This study uses an adaptive modelling approach, combining exploratory network-based analyses with linear and quadratic moderation analyses, drawing on a large sample of males and females across adolescence (total N = 213; outpatient at-risk sample and healthy controls) and adulthood (total N = 85; community-based convenience sample).Results: Exploratory network-based analyses reveal that exposure to emotional abuse is particularly central within a network of ELM subtypes, depressive symptoms, and concurrent vmHRV in both adolescents and adults. In adults, emotional neglect shows strong associations with both emotional abuse and vmHRV and is highly central as a network node, which is not observed in adolescents. Moderator analyses reveal significant interactions between emotional maltreatment and vmHRV predicting depressive symptoms in adult females. Significant quadratic relationships of emotional maltreatment and vmHRV with depression are observed in both adolescent and adult females.Conclusions: The present findings contribute to the understanding of the psychological and physiological mechanisms by which ELM acts as a risk factor for the development of depression. Ultimately, this will contribute to the development of targeted and effective intervention strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of early adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Sigrist
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cristina Ottaviani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Luise Baumeister-Lingens
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
| | - Silvia Bussone
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pesca
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Kaess
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Carola
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Julian Koenig
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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Peoples SG, Davis EL, Brooker RJ. Variation in coupling across neural and cardiac systems of regulation is linked to markers of anxiety risk in preschool. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38487916 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Both cortical and parasympathetic systems are believed to regulate emotional arousal in the service of healthy development. Systemic coordination, or coupling, between putative regulatory functions begins in early childhood. Yet the degree of coupling between cortical and parasympathetic systems in young children remains unclear, particularly in relation to the development of typical or atypical emotion function. We tested whether cortical (ERN) and parasympathetic (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) markers of regulation were coupled during cognitive challenge in preschoolers (N = 121). We found no main effect of RSA predicting ERN. We then tested children's typical and atypical emotion behavior (context-appropriate/context-inappropriate fear, anxiety symptoms, neuroendocrine reactivity) as moderators of early coupling in an effort to link patterns of coupling to adaptive emotional development. Negative coupling (i.e., smaller ERN, more RSA suppression or larger ERN, less RSA suppression) at age 3 was associated with greater atypical and less typical emotion behaviors, indicative of greater risk. Negative age 3 coupling was also visible for children who had greater Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms and blunted cortisol reactivity at age 5. Results suggest that negative coupling may reflect a maladaptive pattern across regulatory systems that is identifiable during the preschool years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Peoples
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca J Brooker
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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21
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Cantave CY, Brendgen M, Lupien S, Dionne G, Vitaro F, Boivin M, Ouellet-Morin I. Concurrent and prospective associations between family socioeconomic status, social support and salivary diurnal and hair cortisol in adolescence. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:298-307. [PMID: 37795803 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to socioeconomic adversity is hypothesized to impact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and cortisol secretion, but existing evidence is inconsistent. Yet, few studies have investigated this association using a developmental approach that considers potential protective contextual factors. This study examined the role of stability and changes in family socioeconomic status (SES) in the prediction of multiple cortisol indicators and tested whether social support moderated these associations. METHODS Participants were part of a population-based sample of twin pairs recruited at birth. Family SES was assessed in early childhood (ages 0-5) and mid-adolescence (age 14). Social support was assessed at ages 14 and 19. Diurnal cortisol (n = 569) was measured at age 14 at awakening, 30 min later, in the afternoon and evening over four non-consecutive days. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC, n = 704) was measured at age 19. All data were collected before the pandemic and multilevel regression models were conducted to account for the nested data structure. RESULTS Youth exposed to lower family SES levels in childhood and mid-adolescence had a flatter diurnal slope and higher HCC compared with those who experienced upward socioeconomic mobility in mid-adolescence. Contrastingly, mid-adolescence SES showed no association with the diurnal slope or HCC for youth from higher-SES households in early childhood. Moreover, youth raised in higher-SES families in early childhood had a higher CAR in mid-adolescence if they reported greater social support in mid-adolescence. Social support also moderated the SES-cortisol association in mid-adolescence, with higher-SES youth showing higher awakening cortisol secretion when reporting more social support. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the hypothesis that early socioeconomic adversity sensitizes HPA axis activity to later socioeconomic disadvantage, which may bear consequences for socioemotional and behavioral functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia Lupien
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Department Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ginette Dionne
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
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22
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Johnston RA, Aracena KA, Barreiro LB, Lea AJ, Tung J. DNA methylation-environment interactions in the human genome. eLife 2024; 12:RP89371. [PMID: 38407202 PMCID: PMC10942648 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously, we showed that a massively parallel reporter assay, mSTARR-seq, could be used to simultaneously test for both enhancer-like activity and DNA methylation-dependent enhancer activity for millions of loci in a single experiment (Lea et al., 2018). Here, we apply mSTARR-seq to query nearly the entire human genome, including almost all CpG sites profiled either on the commonly used Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array or via reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. We show that fragments containing these sites are enriched for regulatory capacity, and that methylation-dependent regulatory activity is in turn sensitive to the cellular environment. In particular, regulatory responses to interferon alpha (IFNA) stimulation are strongly attenuated by methyl marks, indicating widespread DNA methylation-environment interactions. In agreement, methylation-dependent responses to IFNA identified via mSTARR-seq predict methylation-dependent transcriptional responses to challenge with influenza virus in human macrophages. Our observations support the idea that pre-existing DNA methylation patterns can influence the response to subsequent environmental exposures-one of the tenets of biological embedding. However, we also find that, on average, sites previously associated with early life adversity are not more likely to functionally influence gene regulation than expected by chance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Johnston
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Zoo New EnglandBostonUnited States
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - Luis B Barreiro
- Department of Human Genetics, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Committee on Immunology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Amanda J Lea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
- Canadian Institute for Advanced ResearchTorontoCanada
| | - Jenny Tung
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Canadian Institute for Advanced ResearchTorontoCanada
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Biology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
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23
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Victor TS, Jacquet B, El Massioui F. Exploring stress response's role in executive function impairments among adults with early adverse childhood experiences. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4081. [PMID: 38374227 PMCID: PMC10876952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53819-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are recognised as precursors to numerous physical and mental health challenges. However, research on their impact on inhibitory control and working memory, particularly among healthy young adults, remains limited. The role played by the stress response as a moderator in these effects is likewise underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by examining cognitive impairments in non-clinical adults with early childhood trauma, specifically trauma before the age of 13 years, and by assessing the influence of the stress response on these effects. A total of 15 participants with early ACEs were compared with a control group (n = 18) using the Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT) and Stroop Word Colour Test (SCWT). Results showed that participants with early ACEs exhibited lower scores on the SCWT but not the CBTT. The stress response emerged as a potential factor in the relationship between early ACEs and cognitive performance. The implications of these findings are then discussed in relation to the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taïna Steevine Victor
- Université Paris 8, UFR Psychologie, 93200, Saint-Denis, France.
- Laboratoire Cognition Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt, RNSR 200515259U), 93322, Aubervilliers, France.
| | - Baptiste Jacquet
- Université Paris 8, UFR Psychologie, 93200, Saint-Denis, France
- Laboratoire Cognition Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt, RNSR 200515259U), 93322, Aubervilliers, France
| | - Farid El Massioui
- Université Paris 8, UFR Psychologie, 93200, Saint-Denis, France
- Laboratoire Cognition Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt, RNSR 200515259U), 93322, Aubervilliers, France
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24
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Breton JM, Cort Z, Demaestri C, Critz M, Nevins S, Downend K, Ofray D, Romeo RD, Bath KG. Early life adversity reduces affiliative behavior with a stressed cagemate and leads to sex-specific alterations in corticosterone responses in adult mice. Horm Behav 2024; 158:105464. [PMID: 38070354 PMCID: PMC10872397 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing early life adversity (ELA) alters stress physiology and increases the risk for developing psychiatric disorders. The social environment can influence dynamics of stress responding and buffer and/or transfer stress across individuals. Yet, the impact of ELA on sensitivity to the stress of others and social behavior following stress is unknown. Here, to test the impact of ELA on social and physiological responses to stress, circulating blood corticosterone (CORT) and social behaviors were assessed in adult male and female mice reared under limited bedding and nesting (LBN) or control conditions. To induce stress, one cagemate of a pair-housed cage underwent a footshock paradigm and was then returned to their unshocked partner. CORT was measured in both groups of mice 20 or 90 min after stress exposure, and social behaviors were recorded and analyzed. ELA rearing influenced the CORT response to stress in a sex-specific manner. In males, both control and ELA-reared mice exhibited similar stress transfer to unshocked cagemates and similar CORT dynamics. In contrast, ELA females showed a heightened stress transfer to unshocked cagemates, and sustained elevation of CORT relative to controls, indicating enhanced stress contagion and a failure to terminate the stress response. Behaviorally, ELA females displayed decreased allogrooming and increased investigative behaviors, while ELA males showed reduced huddling. Together, these findings demonstrate that ELA influenced HPA axis dynamics, social stress contagion and social behavior. Further research is needed to unravel the underlying mechanisms and long-term consequences of ELA on stress systems and their impact on behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Breton
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Zoey Cort
- Barnard College of Columbia University, Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camila Demaestri
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madalyn Critz
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Samuel Nevins
- Brown University, Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kendall Downend
- Barnard College of Columbia University, Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dayshalis Ofray
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Russell D Romeo
- Barnard College of Columbia University, Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin G Bath
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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25
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Pauli-Pott U, Skoluda N, Nater UM, Becker K, Derz F, Kaspar E, Kasperzack D, Kehm K, Kött M, Mann C, Schurek P, Pott W, Schloß S. Long-term cortisol secretion in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: roles of sex, comorbidity, and symptom presentation. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:569-579. [PMID: 36917355 PMCID: PMC10869441 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Low activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) has been found in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The condition may be related to the reduced attention regulation capacity and/or to comorbid oppositional defiant or conduct disorder (ODD/CD). Sex differences are probable but not sufficiently studied. We analyzed the HPAA activity and sympathetic nervous system reactivity (SR) in children with ADHD while accounting for ADHD symptom presentation, comorbidity, and sex differences. The sample comprised 205 children, 98 (61 boys, 37 girls) with ADHD and 107 (48 boys, 59 girls) healthy controls. DSM-5 phenotypic symptom presentation and comorbid ODD/CD were assessed using clinical interviews. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was used to assess the long-term, cumulative activity of the HPAA. SR was assessed via skin conductance response (SCR). For control purposes, comorbid internalizing symptoms and indicators of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) were assessed. Children were medication naive. Boys presenting with predominantly inattentive symptoms (ADHD-I) showed lower HCC than healthy boys. Girls presenting with combined symptoms (ADHD-C) showed higher HCC than did healthy girls (p's < 0.05, sex-by-group interaction, F (2,194) = 4.09, p = 0.018). Boys with ADHD plus ODD/CD showed a blunted SR (p < 0.001, sex-by-group interaction, F (2,172) = 3.08, p = 0.048). Adjustment for ACE indicators led to non-significant differences in HCC but did not affect differences in SR. HCC constitutes an easily assessable, reliable, and valid marker of phenotypic ADHD-related features (i.e. symptom presentation and comorbidity). It indicates more homogenous subgroups of ADHD and might point to specifically involved pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Pauli-Pott
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010, Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform The Stress of Life (SOLE)-Processes and Mechanisms underlying Everyday Life Stress, Vienna, Austria
| | - Urs M Nater
- Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010, Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform The Stress of Life (SOLE)-Processes and Mechanisms underlying Everyday Life Stress, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Friederike Derz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Elena Kaspar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daria Kasperzack
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kira Kehm
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marie Kött
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Mann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pia Schurek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wilfried Pott
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Susan Schloß
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Schützenstrasse 45, 35039, Marburg, Germany
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26
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Gao Y, Liang C, Liu X, Bai R, Xing S. Self-esteem buffers the stress sensitizing effect of childhood maltreatment on adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury. J Affect Disord 2024; 345:85-93. [PMID: 37865345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.117] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adversity in childhood increases the risk of psychopathology, perhaps by influencing sensitivity to recent stressful life events (SLEs). However, little is known about the stress-sensitizing effect of childhood adversity on nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), whether stress sensitization exists in specific types of SLEs, and the stress-buffering effect of self-esteem. This study aimed to investigate whether exposure to child maltreatment increases adolescent's vulnerability to the effects of dependent and independent SLEs on later NSSI and whether self-esteem buffers this risk. METHODS We conducted a two-wave study with 18-month intervals. 601 Chinese adolescents completed self-report measures of child maltreatment, SLEs, self-esteem, and NSSI. RESULTS Results supported the stress sensitization hypothesis for child maltreatment regarding dependent SLEs, with dependent SLEs significantly predicting later NSSI only in maltreated adolescents. Moreover, self-esteem buffered the relationship between dependent SLEs and NSSI in maltreated adolescents but amplified the relationship in non-maltreated adolescents. In the maltreated group, dependent SLEs predicted increased NSSI only in those with low self-esteem. In contrast, in the control group, dependent SLEs were significantly associated with NSSI in individuals with high self-esteem. LIMITATIONS We did not collect information on the timing of exposure to child maltreatment. Future studies that assess child maltreatment during critical periods of development may be able to identify sensitive period in which maltreatment sensitizes individuals to stress in adolescents. CONCLUSION Findings provide preliminary evidence that child maltreatment has a stress-sensitizing effect on adolescent NSSI. Improving self-esteem may mitigate the associations between SLEs and NSSI in adolescents exposed to child maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yemiao Gao
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxi Liang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Rong Bai
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shufen Xing
- School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
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27
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Filetti C, Kane-Grade F, Gunnar M. The Development of Stress Reactivity and Regulation in Children and Adolescents. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:395-419. [PMID: 37559538 PMCID: PMC10845082 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230808120504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adversity experienced in early life can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. One pathway in which these effects occur is through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key physiological stress-mediating system. In this review, we discuss the theoretical perspectives that guide stress reactivity and regulation research, the anatomy and physiology of the axis, developmental changes in the axis and its regulation, brain systems regulating stress, the role of genetic and epigenetics variation in axis development, sensitive periods in stress system calibration, the social regulation of stress (i.e., social buffering), and emerging research areas in the study of stress physiology and development. Understanding the development of stress reactivity and regulation is crucial for uncovering how early adverse experiences influence mental and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Filetti
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Finola Kane-Grade
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Megan Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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28
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Merz EC, Myers B, Hansen M, Simon KR, Strack J, Noble KG. Socioeconomic Disparities in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation and Prefrontal Cortical Structure. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:83-96. [PMID: 38090738 PMCID: PMC10714216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic disadvantage during childhood predicts an increased risk for mental health problems across the life span. Socioeconomic disadvantage shapes multiple aspects of children's proximal environments and increases exposure to chronic stressors. Drawing from multiple literatures, we propose that childhood socioeconomic disadvantage may lead to adaptive changes in the regulation of stress response systems including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These changes, in turn, affect the development of prefrontal cortical (PFC) circuitry responsible for top-down control over cognitive and emotional processes. Translational findings indicate that chronic stress reduces dendritic complexity and spine density in the medial PFC and anterior cingulate cortex, in part through altered HPA axis regulation. Socioeconomic disadvantage has frequently been associated with reduced gray matter in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral PFC and anterior cingulate cortex and lower fractional anisotropy in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum bundle, and uncinate fasciculus during middle childhood and adolescence. Evidence of socioeconomic disparities in hair cortisol concentrations in children has accumulated, although null findings have been reported. Coupled with links between cortisol levels and reduced gray matter in the PFC and anterior cingulate cortex, these results support mechanistic roles for the HPA axis and these PFC circuits. Future longitudinal studies should simultaneously consider multiple dimensions of proximal factors, including cognitive stimulation, while focusing on epigenetic processes and genetic moderators to elucidate how socioeconomic context may influence the HPA axis and PFC circuitry involved in cognitive and emotional control. These findings, which point to modifiable factors, can be harnessed to inform policy and more effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Merz
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Brent Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Melissa Hansen
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Katrina R. Simon
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jordan Strack
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Kimberly G. Noble
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
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29
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Keeton VF, Hoffmann TJ, Goodwin KM, Powell B, Tupuola S, Weiss SJ. Prenatal exposure to social adversity and infant cortisol in the first year of life. Stress 2024; 27:2316042. [PMID: 38377153 PMCID: PMC11006384 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2316042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to social adversity has been associated with cortisol dysregulation during pregnancy and in later childhood; less is known about how prenatal exposure to social stressors affects postnatal cortisol of infants. In a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study, we tested whether a pregnant woman's reports of social adversity during the third trimester were associated with their infant's resting cortisol at 1, 6, and 12 months postnatal. Our hypothesis was that prenatal exposure to social adversity would be associated with elevation of infants' cortisol. Measures included prenatal survey reports of social stressors and economic hardship, and resting cortisol levels determined from infant saliva samples acquired at each postnatal timepoint. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. The final sample included 189 women and their infants (46.56% assigned female sex at birth). Prenatal economic hardship was significantly associated with infant cortisol at 6 months postnatal; reports of social stressors were not significantly associated with cortisol at any time point. Factors associated with hardship, such as psychological distress or nutritional deficiencies, may alter fetal HPA axis development, resulting in elevated infant cortisol levels. Developmental changes unique to 6 months of age may explain effects at this timepoint. More work is needed to better comprehend the complex pre- and post-natal physiologic and behavioral factors that affect infant HPA axis development and function, and the modifying role of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria F. Keeton
- Assistant Professor, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, 2570 48 St., Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Thomas J. Hoffmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Office of Research School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Kalisha Moneé Goodwin
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Bree Powell
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Sophia Tupuola
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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30
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Kim SJ, Kery C, An J, Rineer J, Bobashev G, Matthews AK. Racial/Ethnic disparities in exposure to neighborhood violence and lung cancer risk in Chicago. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116448. [PMID: 38043441 PMCID: PMC10836639 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the lower prevalence and frequency of smoking, Black adults are disproportionately affected by lung cancer. Exposure to chronic stress generates heightened immune responses, which creates a cell environment conducive to lung cancer development. Residents in poor and segregated neighborhoods are exposed to increased neighborhood violence, and chronic exposure to violence may have downstream physiological stress responses, which may explain racial disparities in lung cancer in predominantly Black urban communities. METHODS We utilized retrospective electronic medical records of patients who underwent a screening or diagnostic test for lung cancer at an academic medical center in Chicago to examine the associations between lung cancer diagnosis and individual characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, and smoking status) and neighborhood-level homicide rate. We then used a synthetic population to estimate the neighborhood-level lung cancer risk to understand spatial clusters of increased homicide rates and lung cancer risk. RESULTS Older age and former/current smoking status were associated with increased odds of lung cancer diagnosis. Hispanic patients were more likely than White patients to be diagnosed with lung cancer, but there was no statistical difference between Black and White patients in lung cancer diagnosis. The odds of being diagnosed with lung cancer were significantly higher for patients living in areas with the third and fourth quartiles of homicide rates compared to the second quartile of homicide rates. Furthermore, significant spatial clusters of increased lung cancer risk and homicide rates were observed on Chicago's South and West sides. CONCLUSIONS Neighborhood violence was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Black residents in Chicago are disproportionately exposed to neighborhood violence, which may partially explain the existing racial disparity in lung cancer. Incorporating neighborhood violence exposure into lung cancer risk models may help identify high-risk individuals who could benefit from lung cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage J Kim
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Division of Health Policy and Administration, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | - Jinghua An
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - James Rineer
- Geospatial Science & Technology Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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31
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Uy JP, Gotlib IH. Associations among early life adversity, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms in adolescent females and males: a longitudinal investigation. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023. [PMID: 38156675 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to adversity early in life (ELA) has been associated with elevated risk for depression during adolescence, particularly for females; the mechanisms underlying this association, however, are poorly understood. One potential mechanism linking ELA and sex differences in depressive symptoms is sleep disturbances, which increase during adolescence and are more common in females. Here, we examined whether sleep disturbances mediate the association between ELA and increases in depressive symptoms during adolescence and whether this mediation differs by sex. METHODS 224 (N = 132 females) youth were recruited at age 9-13 years and assessed every 2 years across three timepoints. At the first timepoint, we conducted extensive interviews about stressful events participants experienced; participants provided subjective severity ratings of events and we objectively scored the severity of each event. Self-reported sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms were assessed at all timepoints. We conducted linear mixed models to estimate both initial levels and changes in sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms, and moderated mediation analyses to test whether initial levels and/or changes in sleep disturbances mediated the association of ELA (objective and subjective) with increases in depressive symptoms across adolescence and whether the mediations differed by sex. RESULTS While higher initial levels and increases in sleep problems were uniquely associated with increases in depressive symptoms for males and females, they were related to ELA differently by sex. For females, greater ELA (both objectively and subjectively rated) was associated with higher initial levels of sleep problems, which in turn were associated with increases in depressive symptoms from early to late adolescence. In contrast, for males, ELA exposure was not associated with either initial levels of, or increases in, sleep problems. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the role of sleep disturbances during the transition to adolescence in mediating sex differences in the effects of ELA on depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P Uy
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Walker CD, Delorme TC, Kiessling S, Long H, Cermakian N. Peripheral clock gene oscillations are perturbed in neonatal and adult rat offspring raised under adverse limited bedding conditions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22886. [PMID: 38129480 PMCID: PMC10739797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47968-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian (24-h) rhythms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are established in utero in rodents, but rhythmicity of peripheral circadian clocks appears later in postnatal development. Since peripheral oscillators can be influenced by maternal feeding and behavior, we investigated whether exposure to the adverse environmental conditions of limited bedding (LB) during postnatal life would alter rhythmicity in the SCN, adrenal gland and liver in neonatal (postnatal day PND10), juvenile (PND28) and adult rats. We also examined locomotor activity in adults. Limited bedding increased nursing time and slightly increased fragmentation of maternal behavior. Exposure to LB reduced the amplitude of Per2 in the SCN on PND10. Adrenal clock gene expression (Bmal1, Per2, Cry1, Rev-erbα, Dbp) and corticosterone secretion were rhythmic at all ages in NB offspring, whereas rhythmicity of Bmal1, Cry1 and corticosterone was abolished in neonatal LB pups. Circadian gene expression in the adrenal and liver was well established by PND28. In adults, liver expression of several circadian genes was increased at specific daytimes by LB and the microstructure of locomotor behavior was altered. Thus, changes in maternal care and behavior might provide important signals to the maturing peripheral oscillators and modify, in particular their output functions in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire-Dominique Walker
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
- Dept of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Tara C Delorme
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Silke Kiessling
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Stag Hill Campus, Guildford, GU27XH, UK
| | - Hong Long
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Nicolas Cermakian
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- Dept of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Peckins MK, Negriff S, Gordis EB, Zhen A, Susman EJ. Maltreatment type differences in cortisol stress response trajectories across adolescence. Child Dev 2023. [PMID: 38115174 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
This study examined cortisol stress response trajectories across adolescence in 454 maltreated and comparison youth recruited from Los Angeles County between 2002 and 2005 (66.7% maltreated; 46.7% girls; 39.0% Latino; 37.7% Black; 12.3% Mixed or Biracial; 11.0% White; Mage = 10.9 years, SD = 1.2). Adolescents' peak activation and cortisol reactivity and recovery slopes following the Trier Social Stress Test for Children were calculated at four waves, then used to model peak activation and cortisol reactivity and recovery trajectories arrayed by age. Maltreated youth had blunted cortisol reactivity at age 9 relative to comparison youth (b = -.19, p = .02). Sexually and physically abused youth showed blunted cortisol reactivity and recovery trajectories relative to emotionally abused and neglected youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Peckins
- Department of Psychology, St. John's University, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Sonya Negriff
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Elana B Gordis
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Anna Zhen
- Department of Psychology, St. John's University, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Susman
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lloyd KM, Gabard-Durnam L, Beaudry K, De Lisio M, Raine LB, Bernard-Willis Y, Watrous JNH, Whitfield-Gabrieli S, Kramer AF, Hillman CH. Cross-sectional analysis reveals COVID-19 pandemic community lockdown was linked to dysregulated cortisol and salivary alpha amylase in children. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1210122. [PMID: 38169630 PMCID: PMC10758420 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1210122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic altered everyday life starting in March 2020. These alterations extended to the lives of children as their normal routines were disrupted by community lockdowns, online learning, limited in-person social contact, increased screen time, and reduced physical activity. Considerable research has investigated the physical health impact of COVID-19 infection, but far fewer studies have investigated the physiological impact of stressful pandemic-related changes to daily life, especially in children. The purpose of this study was to leverage an ongoing clinical trial to investigate physiological consequences associated with chronic stress of pandemic community lockdown on children. As a part of the clinical trial, children provided saliva samples. Saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) content. This secondary cross-sectional analysis included 94 preadolescent children located within the Greater Boston, Massachusetts community. Children participated in the study either before, during, or following the pandemic community lockdown to form three groups for comparison. In response to chronic stress caused by the pandemic community lockdown, participants demonstrated dysregulation of fast-acting catecholamine response of the locus-coeruleus-norepinephrine system and slower-acting glucocorticoid response, resulting in an asymmetrical relationship of hypocortisolism (M = 0.78 ± 0.19 μg/mL, p < 0.001) paired with higher sAA (M = 12.73 ± 4.06 U/mL, p = 0.01). Results suggest that the abrupt COVID-19 disruption to daily life, including the stressful experience of community lockdown, had physiological effects on typically developing children. Further research is required to investigate mental health outcomes of children following the chronic stress of the pandemic community lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Lloyd
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Kayleigh Beaudry
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael De Lisio
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren B. Raine
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ysabeau Bernard-Willis
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Arthur F. Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- University of Illinois Beckman Institute, Champaign-Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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Barclay ME, Rinne GR, Somers JA, Lee SS, Coussons-Read M, Dunkel Schetter C. Maternal Early Life Adversity and Infant Stress Regulation: Intergenerational Associations and Mediation by Maternal Prenatal Mental Health. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1839-1855. [PMID: 36508054 PMCID: PMC10258218 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-01006-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversity is a potent risk factor for poor mental health outcomes across the lifespan, including offspring vulnerability to psychopathology. Developmentally, the prenatal period is a sensitive window in which maternal early life experiences may influence offspring outcomes and demarcates a time when expectant mothers and offspring are more susceptible to stressful and salutary influences. This prenatal plasticity constituted the focus of the current study where we tested the association of maternal early life adversity with infant stress regulation through maternal prenatal internalizing symptoms and moderation by prenatal social support. Mother-infant dyads (n = 162) were followed prospectively and mothers completed assessments of social support and depressive and anxiety symptoms across pregnancy. Infants completed standardized stress paradigms at one month and six months. There were several key findings. First, maternal prenatal depressive symptoms significantly mediated predictions of infant cortisol reactivity to the heel stick at one month from maternal early life adversity: specifically, maternal early life adversity positively predicted depressive symptoms in pregnancy, which in turn predicted dampened infant cortisol reactivity. Second, prenatal social support did not significantly moderate predictions of depressive or anxiety symptoms in pregnancy from maternal early life adversity nor did it alter the associations of maternal depressive or anxiety symptoms with infant stress regulation. These results suggest that maternal prenatal mental health is a key mechanism by which maternal early life adverse experiences affect offspring risk for psychopathology. We discuss potential clinical and health implications of dysregulated infant cortisol reactivity with respect to lifespan development.
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McKenna BG, Choi J, Brennan PA, K Knight A, Smith AK, R Pilkay S, Corwin EJ, Dunlop AL. Maternal Adversity and Epigenetic Age Acceleration Predict Heightened Emotional Reactivity in Offspring: Implications for Intergenerational Transmission of Risk. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1753-1767. [PMID: 36227464 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Black American women are disproportionately exposed to adversities that may have an intergenerational impact on mental health. The present study examined whether maternal exposure to adversity and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA; a biomarker of stress exposure) predicts the socioemotional health of her offspring. During pregnancy, 180 Black American women self-reported experiences of childhood adversity and marginalization-related adversity (i.e., racial discrimination and gendered racial stress) and provided a blood sample for epigenetic assessment. At a three-year follow-up visit, women reported their offspring's emotional reactivity (an early indicator of psychopathology) via the CBCL/1.5-5. After adjusting for maternal education and offspring sex, results indicated that greater maternal experiences of childhood trauma (β = 0.21, SE(β) = 0.01; p = 0.01) and racial discrimination (β = 0.14, SE(β) = 0.07; p = 0.049) predicted greater offspring emotional reactivity, as did maternal EAA (β = 0.17, SE(β) = 0.09, p = 0.046). Our findings suggest that maternal EAA could serve as an early biomarker for intergenerational risk conferred by maternal adversity, and that 'maternal adversity' must be defined more broadly to include social marginalization, particularly for Black Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke G McKenna
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Joanne Choi
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Anna K Knight
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefanie R Pilkay
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | | | - Anne L Dunlop
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Howland MA. Recalibration of the stress response system over adult development: Is there a perinatal recalibration period? Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2315-2337. [PMID: 37641984 PMCID: PMC10901284 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
During early life-sensitive periods (i.e., fetal, infancy), the developing stress response system adaptively calibrates to match environmental conditions, whether harsh or supportive. Recent evidence suggests that puberty is another window when the stress system is open to recalibration if environmental conditions have shifted significantly. Whether additional periods of recalibration exist in adulthood remains to be established. The present paper draws parallels between childhood (re)calibration periods and the perinatal period to hypothesize that this phase may be an additional window of stress recalibration in adult life. Specifically, the perinatal period (defined here to include pregnancy, lactation, and early parenthood) is also a developmental switch point characterized by heightened neural plasticity and marked changes in stress system function. After discussing these similarities, lines of empirical evidence needed to substantiate the perinatal stress recalibration hypothesis are proposed, and existing research support is reviewed. Complexities and challenges related to delineating the boundaries of perinatal stress recalibration and empirically testing this hypothesis are discussed, as well as possibilities for future multidisciplinary research. In the theme of this special issue, perinatal stress recalibration may be a mechanism of multilevel, multisystem risk, and resilience, both intra-individually and intergenerationally, with implications for optimizing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann A Howland
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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38
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Kim CY, Ko K, Choi SH, Jo M, Kim J, Yoon S, Yi IJ, Morán-Valero MI, Kwon MY, Sohn J, Yi SS. Effects of Saffron Extract (Affron ®) with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Stress Resilience in Chronic Mild Stress-Induced Depression in Wistar Rats. Nutrients 2023; 15:4855. [PMID: 38068714 PMCID: PMC10707924 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-related symptoms are a global concern, impacting millions of individuals, yet effective and safe treatments remain scarce. Although multiple studies have highlighted the stress- alleviating properties of saffron extract, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study employs the unpredictable chronic mild stress (CMS) animal model to investigate the impact of a standardized saffron extract, Affron® (AFN), on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation and neuroplasticity in Wistar rats following repeated oral administration. The research evaluates AFN's effects on various stress-related parameters, including hypothalamic gene expression, stress hormone levels, and the sucrose preference test. In animals subjected to continuous unpredictable CMS, repetitive administration of AFN at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg effectively normalized HPA axis dysregulation and enhanced neuroplasticity. Increased concentrations of AFN demonstrated greater efficacy. Following AFN oral administration, adrenocorticotropic and corticosterone hormone levels exhibited significant or nearly significant reductions in comparison to subjects exposed to stress only. These changes align with the alleviation of stress and the normalization of the HPA axis. These findings elucidate AFN's role in stress mitigation, affirm its health benefits, validate its potential as a treatment for stress-related symptoms, confirm its physiological effectiveness, and emphasize its therapeutic promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae-Young Kim
- BK21 Four Program, Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kayoung Ko
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (K.K.); (S.-H.C.); (M.J.)
| | - Seo-Hee Choi
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (K.K.); (S.-H.C.); (M.J.)
| | - Miri Jo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (K.K.); (S.-H.C.); (M.J.)
| | - Jinhye Kim
- Central Lab., iCONNECTOME Co., Ltd., Cheonan 31168, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.)
| | - Sunmi Yoon
- Central Lab., iCONNECTOME Co., Ltd., Cheonan 31168, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.)
| | - Isaac Jinwon Yi
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
| | | | - Min-Young Kwon
- Hyundai Bioland Co., Ltd., Ansan 15407, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Johann Sohn
- Hyundai Bioland Co., Ltd., Ansan 15407, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Sun-Shin Yi
- BK21 Four Program, Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (K.K.); (S.-H.C.); (M.J.)
- Central Lab., iCONNECTOME Co., Ltd., Cheonan 31168, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.)
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Sahin NH, Tasso AF, Guler M. Attachment and emotional regulation: examining the role of prefrontal cortex functions, executive functions, and mindfulness in their relationship. Cogn Process 2023; 24:619-631. [PMID: 37368059 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-023-01144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Attachment is a prominent area of psychological research, with its relevance linked to executive functions, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. The purpose of this study is to examine this relationship among these aforementioned four constructs and propose a model to be tested in the future. Based on the current trends using the Interpersonal Neurobiology approach, which assumes prefrontal cortex functions to include other socioemotional resources such as empathy, morality, insight, behavior, and body regulation. Our study included prefrontal cortical functions alongside executive functions. The assessment instruments used were Attachment-Based Cognitive Representations Scale, Prefrontal Cortex Functions Scale, Webexec, Five Facet Mindfulness Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. We hypothesized that attachment would be the strongest predictor of emotional regulation. The participants in the study were 539 college students (mean = 20.21; sd = 1.57); (68% female and 32%, male). Our a priori research hypothesis was supported, with an additional finding that trait mindfulness was also a significant predictor. The strongest correlations with attachment styles were with trait mindfulness and emotional regulation. We conducted path analyses of two different models for secure and insecure attachment. The path analyses showed that secure attachment scores were negatively related, and insecure attachment scores were positively related to difficulties in emotional regulation scores. Furthermore, trait mindfulness and prefrontal cortex functions also mediated this relationship. However, there was no significant relationship between executive functions and difficulties in emotional regulation scores, even though it was significantly related to attachment. Results and implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrin Hisli Sahin
- School of Psychology and Counseling, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, USA.
| | - Anthony F Tasso
- School of Psychology and Counseling, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, USA
| | - Murat Guler
- Department of Business Administration, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey
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Zusman EZ, Chau CMY, Bone JN, Hookenson K, Brain U, Glier MB, Grunau RE, Weinberg J, Devlin AM, Oberlander TF. Prenatal serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant exposure, SLC6A4 genetic variations, and cortisol activity in 6-year-old children of depressed mothers: A cohort study. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22425. [PMID: 37860904 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal depression and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants both affect the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system, possibly via the neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT). In a community cohort, we investigated the impact of two factors that shape prenatal 5HT signaling (prenatal SRI [pSRI] exposure and child SLC6A4 genotype) on HPA activity at age 6 years. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to study associations between cortisol reactivity, pSRI exposure, and child SLC6A4 genotype, controlling for maternal depression, child age, and sex (48 pSRI exposed, 74 nonexposed). Salivary cortisol levels were obtained at five time points during a laboratory stress challenge: arrival at the laboratory, following two sequential developmental assessments, and then 20 and 40 min following the onset of a stress-inducing cognitive/social task. Cortisol decreased from arrival across both developmental assessments, and then increased across both time points following the stress challenge in both groups. pSRI-exposed children had lower cortisol levels across all time points. In a separate GEE model, we observed a lower cortisol stress response among children with LG /S alleles compared with children with La/La alleles, and this was particularly evident among children of mothers reporting greater third trimester depressed mood. Our findings suggest that pSRI exposure and a genetic factor associated with modulating 5HT signaling shaped HPA reactivity to a laboratory stress challenge at school age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enav Z Zusman
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cecil M Y Chau
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey N Bone
- Biostatistics, Clinical Research Support Unit, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kaia Hookenson
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ursula Brain
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa B Glier
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ruth E Grunau
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela M Devlin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim F Oberlander
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Brænden A, Lebena A, Faresjö Å, Theodorsson E, Coldevin M, Stubberud J, Zeiner P, Melinder A. Excessive hair cortisol concentration as an indicator of psychological disorders in children. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 157:106363. [PMID: 37573627 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106363] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Cortisol in hair is a new biomarker assessing long-term hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, which is related to emotion regulation. We compare hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), in clinically referred children with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) (n = 19), children with other types of psychological disorders (n = 48), and healthy subjects (n = 36). We also investigate the association between HCC and irritability, age, and sex. Our results show that children with DMDD or other types of psychological disorders have higher HCC than healthy subjects, p < .001, ηp2 = .39. No difference between children with DMDD and those with other types of psychological disorders was found, p = .91, nor an association between HCC and irritability in the clinical sample, p = .32. We found a significant negative correlation between HCC and age in those with DMDD, r = -0.54, p < .05, but not in the normative sample, r = -0.20, p = .25. No differences in HCC between girls and boys were found in the normative sample, p = .49. Children in need of psychological treatment, including those with DMDD, seem to have dysregulated HPA-axis activity over time. Excessive accumulated cortisol concentrations in hair could be an indicator of a psychological disorder in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Brænden
- Oslo University Hospital, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Andrea Lebena
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, University of Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åshild Faresjö
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, University of Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marit Coldevin
- Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Nic Waals Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Stubberud
- Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Department of Research, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Department of Psychology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Zeiner
- Oslo University Hospital, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annika Melinder
- Oslo University Hospital, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Department of Psychology, Oslo, Norway
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Oginga FO, Mpofana T. The impact of early life stress and schizophrenia on motor and cognitive functioning: an experimental study. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1251387. [PMID: 37928003 PMCID: PMC10622780 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1251387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early life stress (ELS) and parental psychopathology, such as schizophrenia (SZ), have been associated with altered neurobiological and behavioral outcomes later in life. Previous studies have investigated the effects of ELS and parental SZ on various aspects of behavior, however, we have studied the combined effects of these stressors and how they interact, as individuals in real-life situations may experience multiple stressors simultaneously. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ELS and schizophrenia on locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, exploratory tendencies, and spatial memory in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Male and female SD pups were randomly assigned to eight groups: control, ELS, schizophrenia, and ELS + schizophrenia. ELS was induced by prenatal stress (maternal stress) and maternal separation (MS) during the first 2 weeks of life, while SZ was induced by subcutaneous administration of ketamine. Behavioral tests included an open field test (OFT) for motor abilities and a Morris water maze (MWM) for cognitive abilities. ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests were utilized to analyze the data. Results Our results show that ELS and parental psychopathology had enduring effects on SZ symptoms, particularly psychomotor retardation (p < 0.05). The OFT revealed increased anxiety-like behavior in the ELS group (p = 0.023) and the parental psychopathology group (p = 0.017) compared to controls. The combined ELS and parental psychopathology group exhibited the highest anxiety-like behavior (p = 0.006). The MWM analysis indicated impaired spatial memory in the ELS group (p = 0.012) and the combined ELS and parental psychopathology group (p = 0.003) compared to controls. Significantly, the exposure to ELS resulted in a decrease in the population of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive (GFAP+) astrocytes. However, this effect was reversed by positive parental mental health. Conclusion Our findings highlight the interactive effects of ELS and parental psychopathology on anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory in rats. ELS was linked to increased anxiety-like behavior, while SZ was associated with anhedonia-like behavior. Positive parenting augments neuroplasticity, synaptic function, and overall cognitive capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Otieno Oginga
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thabisile Mpofana
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Bio-molecular & Chemical Sciences Mandela University, University Way, Summerstrand, Gqeberha, South Africa
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Duprey EB, Handley ED, Wyman PA, Ross AJ, Cerulli C, Oshri A. Child maltreatment and youth suicide risk: A developmental conceptual model and implications for suicide prevention. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1732-1755. [PMID: 36097812 PMCID: PMC10008764 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Experiences of child abuse and neglect are risk factors for youth suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Accordingly, suicide risk may emerge as a developmental process that is heavily influenced by the rearing environment. We argue that a developmental, theoretical framework is needed to guide future research on child maltreatment and youth (i.e., adolescent and emerging adult) suicide, and to subsequently inform suicide prevention efforts. We propose a developmental model that integrates principles of developmental psychopathology and current theories of suicide to explain the association between child maltreatment and youth suicide risk. This model bears significant implications for future research on child maltreatment and youth suicide risk, and for suicide prevention efforts that target youth with child maltreatment experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erinn B. Duprey
- Children’s Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Handley
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peter A. Wyman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ross
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Cerulli
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- The Susan B. Anthony Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Assaf Oshri
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Choate AM, Bornovalova MA, Hipwell AE, Chung T, Stepp SD. The general psychopathology factor ( p) from adolescence to adulthood: Exploring the developmental trajectories of p using a multi-method approach. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1775-1793. [PMID: 35815746 PMCID: PMC9832177 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Considerable attention has been directed towards studying co-occurring psychopathology through the lens of a general factor (p-factor). However, the developmental trajectory and stability of the p-factor have yet to be fully understood. The present study examined the explanatory power of dynamic mutualism theory - an alternative framework that suggests the p-factor is a product of lower-level symptom interactions that strengthen throughout development. Data were drawn from a population-based sample of girls (N = 2450) who reported on the severity of internalizing and externalizing problems each year from age 14 to age 21. Predictions of dynamic mutualism were tested using three distinct complementary statistical approaches including: longitudinal bifactor models, random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs), and network models. Across methods, study results document preliminary support for mutualistic processes in the development of co-occurring psychopathology (that is captured in p). Findings emphasize the importance of exploring alternative frameworks and methods for better understanding the p-factor and its development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alison E. Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tammy Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Health, Healthcare Policy and Aging Research; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Luk JW, Leiter N, Axelowitz JC, Stangl BL, Melendez CR, Schwandt ML, Gunawan T, Goldman D, Diazgranados N, Ramchandani VA. Effects of clustering and timing of early life stress exposure on mood problems, ADHD symptoms, and problematic drinking. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 166:130-138. [PMID: 37769594 PMCID: PMC10686194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to early life stress (ELS) may lead to long-term health consequences. The Early Life Stress Questionnaire (ELSQ) is a retrospective measure of multiple ELS and their timing. Latent class analysis (LCA) has not been applied to the ELSQ and questions regarding timing are rarely explored. This study examined the effects of clustering and timing of ELS exposure on internalizing and externalizing symptoms. METHOD Data from 1095 participants in the NIAAA Natural History Protocol were analyzed. LCA was conducted on 18 ELS items. Regression and correlational analyses examined associations of latent classes with sociodemographic variables and clinical outcomes. RESULTS LCA revealed three classes: Class 1: Minimal ELS (54.2%), Class 2: Moderate ELS (33.2%), and Class 3: Multiple and High ELS (12.6%). Black/African American participants were more likely to be in Class 2, and participants with low household income were more likely to be in Classes 2 and 3. Family history of problematic alcohol use and individual alcohol use disorder diagnosis were linked to Classes with higher ELS exposure. Compared with Class 1, Class 2 reported higher anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, ADHD symptoms, and problematic drinking, and Class 3 reported the highest levels across all these outcomes. Regarding timing, earlier exposure to ELS (e.g., sustained family conflict and witnessed domestic violence) was associated with higher psychopathological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The ELSQ can effectively capture clustering and timing of exposure to multiple ELS. Greater and earlier exposure to ELS were positively associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, underscoring the need for early and well-timed intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Luk
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Noa Leiter
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jared C Axelowitz
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bethany L Stangl
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos R Melendez
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melanie L Schwandt
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tommy Gunawan
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA; Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Diazgranados
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Schwartz JA, Calvi JL, Allen SL, Granger DA. Adrenocortical Responses to Daily Stressors Are Calibrated by Early Life Adversity: An Investigation of the Adaptive Calibration Model. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 21:14747049231212357. [PMID: 37964553 PMCID: PMC10647968 DOI: 10.1177/14747049231212357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies examining the impact of early adversity on physiological responsivity to environmental challenges in later life yield a complex pattern of findings and ambiguity regarding the direction of effect, with some studies reporting heightened responses and others reporting dampened responses. One potential reason for these mixed findings is an oversimplified theoretical model surrounding the connection between early life stressor exposure and subsequent stress responsivity. The adaptive calibration model offersa contemporary set of assumptions aimed at providing a better understanding of the ways that early life experiences shape the stress response system to better align with current and future environments. The current study utilized a large subsample from the National Study of Daily Experiences (N = 1,605) to examine the extent to which the association between daily stressor exposure and cortisol levels varies across levels of early life adversity. Results revealed that those individuals who experienced extremely low levels of early life adversity displayed the greatest increase in cortisol levels across the day as daily stressor exposure increased. Alternatively, those individuals who experienced extremely high levels of early life adversity displayed almost no change in diurnal production of cortisol as daily stressor exposure increased. The results are discussed within the evolutionary-developmental context of the adaptive calibration model along with suggestions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Schwartz
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Jessica L. Calvi
- Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Samantha L. Allen
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Handley ED, Rogosch FA, Duprey EB, Russotti J, Cicchetti D. Profiles of diurnal cortisol and DHEA regulation among children: Associations with maltreatment experiences, symptomatology, and positive adaptation. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1614-1626. [PMID: 35635209 PMCID: PMC9708938 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Person-centered methods represent an important advance in the simultaneous examination of multiple indicators of neuroendocrine functioning and may facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the impact of child maltreatment on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. The aims of the present study were threefold: (a) identify naturally occurring patterns of diurnal cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) regulation among a sample of N = 1,258 children with and without histories of maltreatment, (b) investigate which neuroendocrine profiles characterize children with exposure to maltreatment, and (c) examine which profiles are related to adaptive outcomes and symptomatology among children. Cortisol and DHEA were sampled three times per day (9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m.) across 5 and 2 days, respectively. Four profiles of cortisol and DHEA regulation were identified. Among females, a pattern marked by high cortisol and low DHEA was associated with more pervasive maltreatment experiences. Furthermore, we found evidence of adaptive interpersonal resilience such that children with maltreatment exposure who evidenced this pattern of high cortisol and low DHEA were viewed as more likeable than maltreated children with other neuroendocrine patterns. Finally, results pointed to higher levels of internalizing symptoms among children who displayed a profile marked by average cortisol and high DHEA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erinn B. Duprey
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester
- University of Rochester Medical Center
| | | | - Dante Cicchetti
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester
- University of Minnesota
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48
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Matte-Landry A, Grisé Bolduc MÈ, Tanguay-Garneau L, Collin-Vézina D, Ouellet-Morin I. Cognitive Outcomes of Children With Complex Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Longitudinal Studies. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2743-2757. [PMID: 35786061 PMCID: PMC10486170 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221111484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Longitudinal studies have shown that children with complex trauma (i.e., exposure to multiple or repeated traumatic events of an interpersonal nature) have poorer cognitive outcomes later in life than children without complex trauma. This association may be moderated by the timing of the trauma, which may explain, in part, some heterogeneity in the findings reported across previous investigations. The objective of the systematic review and meta-analyses was to compare the cognitive outcomes of children with complex trauma and controls and to explore whether the timing of trauma (i.e., its onset and recency) moderated this association. Electronic databases (APA PsycNET, Pubmed Central, ERIC, CINAHL, Embase) and gray literature were systematically searched. To be included, studies had to (1) have a longitudinal design, (2) comprise children with complex trauma and controls, and (3) include a cognitive assessment. Thirteen studies were identified. Meta-analyses were conducted to compare children with complex trauma and controls, while subgroup analyses and meta-regressions explored the impact of potential moderators. Children with complex trauma had poorer overall cognitive functioning than controls, and the timing of trauma (early onset and, to a greater extent, recency of trauma) moderated this association. Thus, findings suggest that children with complex trauma are at risk of cognitive difficulties quickly after trauma exposure. As such, systematic neuropsychological assessment and interventions supporting the optimal development of cognitive functioning among children with complex trauma should be investigated to determine whether prompt interventions lead to better cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Matte-Landry
- Centre for Research on Children and Families, School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Grisé Bolduc
- Departement of psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Laurence Tanguay-Garneau
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- Centre for Research on Children and Families, School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
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Sun J, Lunkenheimer E, Lin D. Dimensions of child maltreatment and longitudinal diurnal cortisol patterns: The roles of resilience and child sex. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37746719 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Informed by the dimensional approach to adversity, this study disaggregated child maltreatment effects to examine how abuse versus neglect influenced cortisol at the baseline assessment and longitudinal changes in diurnal cortisol among a sample of Chinese children and adolescents (N = 312; aged 9-13 years; M age = 10.80, SD = 0.84; 67% boys). The moderating roles of resilience and sex differences in these associations were also explored. Results revealed distinct effects of abuse versus neglect on diurnal cortisol in girls, but not boys, which varied by the time scale of assessment and type of cortisol measure. Specifically, abuse was associated with girls' longitudinal changes in awakening cortisol, cortisol awakening response, and diurnal cortisol slope over one year, whereas neglect was associated with girls' awakening cortisol and cortisol awakening response at the baseline assessment. Further, resilience moderated the effects of abuse on girls' baseline awakening cortisol and longitudinal changes in diurnal cortisol slope, suggesting both the potential benefits and costs of resilience. Findings support the application of the dimensional approach to research on stress physiology and deepen our understanding of individual differences in the associations between child maltreatment and diurnal cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Sun
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Erika Lunkenheimer
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Danhua Lin
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Simon L, Admon R. From childhood adversity to latent stress vulnerability in adulthood: the mediating roles of sleep disturbances and HPA axis dysfunction. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1425-1435. [PMID: 37391592 PMCID: PMC10425434 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Childhood adversity is a prominent predisposing risk factor for latent stress vulnerability, expressed as an elevated likelihood of developing stress-related psychopathology upon subsequent exposure to trauma in adulthood. Sleep disturbances have emerged as one of the most pronounced maladaptive behavioral outcomes of childhood adversity and are also a highly prevalent core feature of stress-related psychopathology, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After reviewing the extensive literature supporting these claims, the current review addresses the notion that childhood adversity-induced sleep disturbances may play a causal role in elevating individuals' stress vulnerability in adulthood. Corroborating this, sleep disturbances that predate adult trauma exposure have been associated with an increased likelihood of developing stress-related psychopathology post-exposure. Furthermore, novel empirical evidence suggests that sleep disturbances, including irregularity of the sleep-wake cycle, mediate the link between childhood adversity and stress vulnerability in adulthood. We also discuss cognitive and behavioral mechanisms through which such a cascade may evolve, highlighting the putative role of impaired memory consolidation and fear extinction. Next, we present evidence to support the contribution of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to these associations, stemming from its critical role in stress and sleep regulatory pathways. Childhood adversity may yield bi-directional effects within the HPA stress and sleep axes in which sleep disturbances and HPA axis dysfunction reinforce each other, leading to elevated stress vulnerability. To conclude, we postulate a conceptual path model from childhood adversity to latent stress vulnerability in adulthood and discuss the potential clinical implications of these notions, while highlighting directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Simon
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roee Admon
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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