Adrenal function predicts demoralization after losses. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • 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.

publication date

  • January 1, 1997

Research

keywords

  • Adrenal Insufficiency
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
  • Life Change Events
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0030668553

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/S0033-3182(97)71397-5

PubMed ID

  • 9427849

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 38

issue

  • 6