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Updated: Jul 6, 2025
06:01
Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans
Published on: June 10, 2018
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Relationship between hair cortisol concentrations and cognitive functioning in adolescents with ADHD
Marta Llorens1,2, Maria Barba3, Jordi Torralbas-Ortega4
1Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology
|December 28, 2023
Summary
Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is linked to better attention and memory in adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This effect is more pronounced in boys, suggesting sex influences the relationship.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting cognitive functions.
- Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) offers a measure of long-term cortisol exposure.
- Understanding factors influencing cognitive function in ADHD is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and cognitive functioning in adolescents with ADHD.
- To examine the moderating roles of sex and childhood maltreatment in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 53 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD.
- Assessment of cognitive functions using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).
- Measurement of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and analysis using multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) showed a positive association with attention and memory performance.
- Sex moderated this association, with higher HCC correlating with better attention/memory in boys.
- No significant association was found between HCC and executive functioning or ADHD severity.
Conclusions:
- Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) may be positively related to attention and memory in adolescents with ADHD.
- The observed relationship between HCC and cognitive performance is moderated by sex, particularly in males.
- Childhood maltreatment was linked to inattention symptoms in this ADHD cohort.
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