Inhaltszusammenfassung

Background: Some research indicates that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might be associated with specific alterations in endocrine stress axis activity. Significantly increased cortisol release during the acute trauma phase is hypothesized to lead to a dysregulation of this system, resulting in an enduring decrease in baseline cortisol release (hypocortisolism). Objective: Is there evidence for endocrine abnormalities and their association with symptom severity in acute trauma patients?...Background: Some research indicates that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might be associated with specific alterations in endocrine stress axis activity. Significantly increased cortisol release during the acute trauma phase is hypothesized to lead to a dysregulation of this system, resulting in an enduring decrease in baseline cortisol release (hypocortisolism). Objective: Is there evidence for endocrine abnormalities and their association with symptom severity in acute trauma patients? Methods: 50 patients recently involved in an accident were divided into two groups according to their symptom severity. Diurnal cortisol profiles assessed either during inpatient treatment or 6 weeks later were analyzed for group differences. Results: After 6 weeks the patient group with more severe posttraumatic symptoms had slightly elevated diurnal cortisol values. However, there was no evidence for permanent, specific alterations of stress axis activity between the groups. Discussion: Findings do not support the assumption that early abnormalities in cortisol secretion are an indicator or predictor of PTSD. » weiterlesen» einklappen

Autoren