Cortisol and DHEA in development and psychopathology

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol are primary adrenal hormones regulating stress responses.
• Elevated cortisol is linked to negative behavioral and emotional health outcomes.
• The DHEA to cortisol ratio serves as an alternative index of adrenocortical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of DHEA, cortisol, and their ratio in typical development and developmental psychopathology.
• To explore the coordinated synthesis and opposing actions of DHEA and cortisol.
• To highlight knowledge gaps concerning DHEA's role in modulating cortisol during development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on DHEA and cortisol.
• Analysis of age-related changes from perinatal to adolescent stages.
• Examination of associations with developmental psychopathology.

Main Results:

• DHEA and cortisol play crucial roles in physiological and behavioral adjustments to stress.
• A developmental perspective is essential for understanding these hormones.
• Associations between hormone levels and developmental psychopathology are observed across age groups.

Conclusions:

• The DHEA to cortisol ratio provides valuable insights into adrenocortical function and stress.
• Further research is needed to elucidate DHEA's modulatory role in typical development and psychopathology.
• Understanding these hormonal dynamics is critical for addressing developmental disorders.