Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory
Published on: June 18, 2014
Decreased prefrontal cortical volume associated with increased bedtime cortisol in traumatized youth
Victor G Carrion1, Carl F Weems, Kit Richert
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5719, USA. vcarrion@stanford.edu
Background:
The purpose of this study was to investigate prefrontal cortex (PFC) volumes in youth with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and explore the relationship between cortisol secretion and PFC volumes.
Methods:
Total brain tissue volumes, segmented areas of the PFC, and diurnal cortisol secretion were examined in a sample of 33 youth aged 10 to 16 years. Cerebral volumes were available for 45 subjects (30 PTSS and 15 control subjects).
Results:
Youth with PTSS had significantly decreased total brain tissue and total cerebral gray volumes in comparison with healthy control subjects. While controlling for total cerebral gray volume, the PTSS group demonstrated decreased left ventral and left inferior prefrontal gray volumes. A significant negative association was found between prebedtime cortisol levels and left ventral PFC gray volumes for the full sample.
Conclusions:
Findings suggest associations between posttraumatic stress and PFC neurodevelopment. Findings also suggest a link between PFC development and cortisol secretion.
More Related Videos
10:43Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
08:25Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
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...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares often...