Urinary free cortisol output and disruptive behavior in children

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Behavioral Science
• Child Psychiatry

Background:

• Hostile, impulsive, and aggressive behaviors are linked to reduced urinary free cortisol (UFC).
• Disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) encompass attention deficit and conduct disorders.
• Previous research has not specifically examined 24-hour UFC output in boys with DBDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) output in boys diagnosed with attention deficit and/or conduct disorder.
• To compare UFC levels between boys with DBDs and age, race, and IQ-matched healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 19 boys with disruptive behavior disorders and 19 healthy controls were studied as inpatients.
• 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) output was measured for all participants.
• Cognitive performance, including impulsivity, was assessed using the Continuous Performance Test (CPT).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) output was found between boys with disruptive behavior disorders and controls.
• Boys with disruptive behavior disorders exhibited greater impulsivity on the Continuous Performance Test.
• A positive correlation was observed between UFC levels and cognitive difficulties, specifically longer interstimulus intervals and reaction times on the CPT.

Conclusions:

• Contrary to previous associations, 24-hour UFC output does not appear to be decreased in boys with disruptive behavior disorders.
• Urinary free cortisol levels may be associated with specific aspects of impulsivity and cognitive processing in these boys.