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Developmental changes in cortisol secretion in normal and at-risk youth.
E F Walker1, D J Walder, F Reynolds
1Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Development and Psychopathology
|August 29, 2001
Summary
During adolescence, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis matures, increasing cortisol levels. This maturational process in youth may influence the emergence of psychiatric symptoms, particularly schizotypal personality disorder (SPD).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for the emergence of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia.
- Schizotypal signs often appear postpubertally, preceding adult-onset symptoms.
- Youth show age-related increases in saliva cortisol, suggesting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cortisol secretion and symptom development in adolescents.
- To examine longitudinal changes in HPA axis activity during adolescence.
- To explore the role of HPA axis maturation in moderating psychiatric symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design.
- Measurement of cortisol secretion in youth with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), other personality disorders, and no Axis II disorder.
- Assessment of symptom severity over a 2-year period.
Main Results:
- Cortisol levels demonstrated moderate stability but a significant longitudinal increase over 2 years.
- Initial cortisol levels correlated with later SPD symptom severity.
- HPA axis activity showed a maturational increase during adolescence.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that HPA axis maturation during adolescence influences psychiatric symptom expression.
- Elevated cortisol levels may be linked to the development or exacerbation of schizotypal traits.
- This research highlights the HPA axis as a potential moderator in adolescent psychiatric development.