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Adversity-driven changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning during adolescence. The trails study
Odilia M Laceulle1, Esther Nederhof2, Marcel A G van Aken3
1Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, The Netherlands; Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|August 19, 2017
Summary
Adversity, like social defeat, impacts adolescent stress responses. This study shows changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting cortisol levels and stress reactions over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Adolescent Psychology
- Stress Research
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is implicated in the link between adversity and mental health.
- Longitudinal research on adversity's effects on HPA-axis functioning during adolescence is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how adversity influences HPA-axis functioning longitudinally in adolescents.
- To examine changes in basal cortisol, cortisol awakening response, and stress task responses from age 16 to 19.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 141 adolescents was assessed at ages 16 and 19.
- HPA-axis functioning was measured via basal cortisol, cortisol awakening response, and a stress task.
- Adversity, including social defeat and loss/illness, was assessed using the Life Stress Interview at age 19.
Main Results:
- Adolescents experiencing social defeat showed increased basal cortisol levels from age 16 to 19.
- Social defeat was associated with a decreased reaction to a stress task.
- These changes differed compared to adolescents who experienced loss/illness or no significant stress.
Conclusions:
- Adversity, particularly social defeat, can alter HPA-axis functioning during adolescence.
- The neuroendocrine stress response is sensitive to the type of adversity experienced.
- This study provides unique longitudinal evidence on adversity's impact on the HPA axis.
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