Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Salivary cortisol and psychopathology in adults bereaved by the September 11, 2001 terror attacks
Cynthia R Pfeffer1, Margaret Altemus, Moonseong Heo
1Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, White Plains, NY 10605, USA. cpfeffer@med.cornell.edu
Objective:
This prospective study aimed to describe the nature and time course of HPA axis dysregulation and psychopathology among terror-bereaved spouses.
Method:
Twenty-three spouses bereaved from September 11, 2001 terror attacks and 22 nonbereaved spouses were compared using a psychiatric diagnostic interview (SCID), 3 days of salivary cortisol collection, and a dexamethasone suppression test. Most subjects had repeated assessments at 6 month intervals during the 2 year study.
Results:
After September 11, 2001, bereaved compared to nonbereaved had significantly higher rates ofposttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 68.1% versus 0%) and major depressive disorder (MDD; 45.5% versus 9.5%). Bereaved had significantly higher morning basal cortisol and less afternoon postdexamethasone cortisol suppression than nonbereaved. Among bereaved, those with PTSD without comorbid MDD had significantly greater afternoon postdexamethasone cortisol suppression than those without psychiatric disorders.
Conclusions:
Terror-related spouse death is a severe stressor associated with persistent HPA axis activation, PTSD, and MDD. However, bereaved spouses who developed PTSD and were not depressed had enhanced postdexamethasone cortisol suppression, evidence of heightened glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Flashbulb Memory
Traumatic Memory
Panic Disorder

