Adrenal function predicts demoralization after losses.
Stressful experiences can cause disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system. The authors hypothesized that assessments of adrenal function made in the circumstances of stressful losses would predict outcome 1 or 2 years later. The authors collected 24-hour urinary free cortisol, serum cortisol, and 24-hour urinary catecholamines 2 months after intake and used these measures as predictors of depression, anxiety, hopelessness/helplessness, unresolved grief, self-rated health, and help-seeking behavior on follow-up at 13 and 25 months. Adrenal function in the circumstances of a loss predicted only demoralization scores (hopelessness/helplessness) on follow-up.
Jacobs
S
S
Department of Psychiatry, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven 06519, USA.
Bruce
M
M
Kim
K
K
D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000368:Aged; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000652:urine; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology*
D002395:Catecholamines; D006854:Hydrocortisone