Relationships among plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol levels, symptoms of dissociation, and objective performance in humans exposed to acute stress.
BACKGROUND
Recently, a growing body of research has provided evidence that dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is involved in an organism's response to stress and that it may provide beneficial behavioral and neurotrophic effects.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate plasma DHEA-S and cortisol levels, psychological symptoms of dissociation, and military performance.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Twenty-five healthy subjects enrolled in military survival school.


RESULTS
The DHEA-S-cortisol ratios during stress were significantly higher in subjects who reported fewer symptoms of dissociation and exhibited superior military performance.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide prospective, empirical evidence that the DHEA-S level is increased by acute stress in healthy humans and that the DHEA-S-cortisol ratio may index the degree to which an individual is buffered against the negative effects of stress.
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs New England Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. charles.a.morgan@yale.edu
Charles A
CA
Morgan
Steve
S
Southwick
Gary
G
Hazlett
Ann
A
Rasmusson
Gary
G
Hoyt
Zoran
Z
Zimolo
Dennis
D
Charney
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D011340:Problem Solving; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D006854:Hydrocortisone