Modelling a loss event: effect of imagined bereavement on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
BACKGROUND
Loss events are the stressors most closely associated with the onset of depressive illnesses. The acute cortisol response to loss has been little studied although it could be an important mediator of the effects of environmental stress on psychological state.


METHODS
The salivary cortisol response to an established negative mood induction procedure involving music and an imagined bereavement was measured in 30 healthy volunteers.


RESULTS
Considerable but transient mood lowering in response to the negative mood induction was associated with a small increase in cortisol output over 30 min.


CONCLUSIONS
This procedure has some potential as a tool to investigate individual differences in the neuroendocrine response to loss events, but this is limited. There remains a need for laboratory models of relevant psychosocial stressors in mood disorders research.
McCleery
J M
JM
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford.
Bhagwagar
Z
Z
Smith
K A
KA
Goodwin
G M
GM
Cowen
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001601:Bereavement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology*; D007092:Imagination; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*
D006854:Hydrocortisone