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. 2013 Jul;93(3):343-51.
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.04.002. Epub 2013 Apr 16.

Blunted HPA axis response to stress is related to a persistent Dysregulation Profile in youth

Lynsay Ayer  1 , Kirstin Greaves-Lord, Robert R Althoff, James J Hudziak, Gwendolyn C Dieleman, Frank C Verhulst, Jan van der Ende
Affiliations

Blunted HPA axis response to stress is related to a persistent Dysregulation Profile in youth

Lynsay Ayer et al. Biol Psychol. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

The Child Behavior Checklist Dysregulation Profile (DP) in youth has been shown to be a predictor of psychopathology later in life. We examined the activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in youth with remitted, new, persistent, and no DP. Data from 489 youth (47% boys) participating in a Dutch longitudinal general population study were included (Wave 1 mean age=11.5, Wave 2=14.2). Wave 2 diurnal cortisol patterns and levels in response to a laboratory stress paradigm were compared in youth with DP at Wave 1 only, Wave 2 only, both Waves, and neither Wave. Youth with the DP at Wave 2 only or at both time points showed blunted cortisol responses to stress relative to the other two groups. There were no group or sex differences in diurnal cortisol activity. More research is needed to determine how the association between DP symptoms and HPA axis functioning changes over time.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow Diagram Showing Participation and Attrition
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic Depiction of the Stress Procedure (from (Evans, et al., 2012)) Note: SS=Subjective stress measurement; MAT=Mental arithmetic task; PST=Public speaking task; CT=Computer task; Cort5-Cort10=Cortisol tubes 5 through 10. Arrows extending from Cort5–10 point to moments during the procedure to which cortisol levels correspond, due to the delay in observable cortisol increase after the onset of the stressor (Sapolsky et al., 2000).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Subjective Stress Questions
Figure 4
Figure 4
Dysregulation Profile (DP) predicts Wave 2 cortisol response to stress Note. W1: Wave 1; W2: Wave 2; DP: Dysregulation Profile
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