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Salivary cortisol lower in posttraumatic stress disorder
1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. wahbehh@ohsu.edu
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|March 27, 2013
Summary
This study found lower salivary cortisol levels in combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These findings support the link between PTSD and altered cortisol, particularly the avoidance symptom cluster.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Altered cortisol levels are frequently observed in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Previous research indicates a trend towards lower cortisol concentrations in PTSD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate salivary cortisol patterns in combat veterans with PTSD compared to controls.
- To examine the association between cortisol levels and PTSD symptom classifications (DSM-IV and DSM-5 proposed 4-factor model).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 51 combat veterans with PTSD and 20 without.
- Salivary cortisol was measured at waking, 30 minutes post-waking, and at bedtime.
- Cortisol levels were analyzed in relation to PTSD symptoms using different diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- Veterans with PTSD exhibited significantly lower overall cortisol values compared to the control group.
- Lower cortisol levels were observed at waking, 30 minutes post-waking, and bedtime in the PTSD group.
- The 4-factor avoidance symptom cluster of PTSD was significantly associated with cortisol levels.
Conclusions:
- This study reinforces the finding of reduced cortisol levels in individuals diagnosed with PTSD.
- Cortisol dysregulation may be a biomarker for PTSD, especially linked to avoidance symptoms.
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