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Changes in cortisol and DHEA plasma levels after psychotherapy for PTSD
Miranda Olff1, Giel-Jan de Vries, Yener Güzelcan
1Center for Psychological Trauma, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center/de Meren, University of Amsterdam, Tafelbergweg 25, 1105 BC Amsterdam, The Netherlands. M.Olff@amc.uva.nl
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|June 16, 2007
Summary
Psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can alter stress hormone levels, specifically cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Changes depend on treatment response and comorbid depression, impacting the Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to neuroendocrine system dysregulation.
- The Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis is often implicated in PTSD.
- Comorbid depression can influence neuroendocrine profiles in PTSD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of brief eclectic psychotherapy (BEP) on stress-related hormone levels in PTSD patients.
- To examine differences in hormonal changes between responders and non-responders to psychotherapy.
- To assess the influence of comorbid depressive symptoms on these neuroendocrine alterations.
Main Methods:
- Studied 21 patients diagnosed with PTSD, with and without coexisting depression.
- Measured baseline and post-treatment levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), prolactin, thyrotropin (TSH), and free thyroxin (fT4).
- Analyzed hormonal changes in relation to psychotherapy response and depressive symptom severity.
Main Results:
- Brief eclectic psychotherapy (BEP) led to significant changes in cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels.
- Patients who responded to BEP showed increased cortisol and DHEA.
- Non-responders exhibited decreased levels of both cortisol and DHEA, with differences apparent after controlling for depression.
Conclusions:
- Effective psychotherapy for PTSD can modulate Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis dysregulations.
- Comorbid depressive symptoms are a critical factor to consider when evaluating neuroendocrine changes after PTSD treatment.
- Psychotherapy outcomes in PTSD may be associated with specific patterns of stress hormone regulation.
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