Behavioral adjustment in a community sample of boys: links with basal and stress-induced salivary cortisol concentrations.
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been observed in association with internalizing symptoms and is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of depression and some anxiety disorders. This study examined basal and stress-induced cortisol concentrations in relation to internalizing and externalizing symptoms in a racially mixed community sample of 102 8-11-year-old boys. Afternoon basal cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with measures of internalizing behavior problems, social problems, and emotionality. Greater change in cortisol across a home-visit challenge task was also significantly associated with internalizing behaviors and social problems, as well as attention and thought problems. The implications of these findings and how they may relate to the pathogenesis of emotional and behavioral problems are discussed.
Tyrka
Audrey R
AR
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA. Audrey_Tyrka@Brown.edu
Kelly
Megan M
MM
Graber
Julia A
JA
DeRose
Laura
L
Lee
Janet K
JK
Warren
Michelle P
MP
Brooks-Gunn
Jeanne
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000378:metabolism*
D006854:Hydrocortisone