Full text is available at the source.
Are flatter diurnal cortisol rhythms associated with major depression and anxiety disorders in late adolescence? The role of life stress and daily negative emotion
Flatter daily cortisol patterns linked to depression and anxiety in late teens: the role of stress and daily negative feelings
AI simplified
Abstract
In a sample of 300 adolescents, those with a history of major depression disorder (MDD) exhibited flatter diurnal cortisol slopes than peers without internalizing disorders.
- Adolescents with past MDD and recent MDD comorbid with anxiety disorders showed reduced cortisol variation throughout the day.
- Increased general distress was linked to flatter cortisol slopes, suggesting a potential relationship between emotional state and HPA axis functioning.
- Feelings of sadness and loneliness correlated with flatter cortisol slopes and contributed to the link between comorbid MDD and anxiety disorders.
- Past experiences of MDD may leave a lasting impact on cortisol slopes, independent of current negative emotions or life stress.
AI simplified