HPA-axis activity as a predictor of future disruptive behaviors in young adolescents.

Full Abstract

Low HPA-axis activity has been proposed as a risk factor for disruptive behaviors. However longitudinal data on this topic are practically lacking. In the present study we investigated if low HPA-axis activity predicted future disruptive behaviors. We included 1,399 boys and girls from the Dutch general population, initially aged 10-12 years. At the first assessment, basal cortisol levels were assessed. At the first assessment and at follow-up 2 years later disruptive behaviors were assessed with parent and self-report questionnaires. The results suggest that the association between low cortisol levels at 8.00 p.m. and future disruptive behaviors according to the parents was only present for boys. More importantly however, the results suggest that low HPA-axis activity is not a good predictor for disruptive behaviors, but could be valuable to identify those with a poor prognosis, once disruptive behaviors are present in preadolescence.

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Author information

Author/s: Sondeijker, Frouke E P L (FE); Ferdinand, Robert F (RF); Oldehinkel, Albertine J (AJ); Tiemeier, Henning (H); Ormel, Johan (J); Verhulst, Frank C (FC);

Affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Psychophysiology (Psychophysiology), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-May; vol 45 (issue 3) : pp 398-404

Dates: Created 2008/04/10; Completed 2008/06/30;

PMID: 18312496, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior - physiology
Area Under Curve
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders - physiopathology; psychology
Child
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone - metabolism
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiology

Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiology
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Pituitary-Adrenal Function Tests
Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiology
Predictive Value of Tests
Saliva - chemistry
Sex Characteristics
Social Class

Associated Chemicals: Hydrocortisone (50-23-7)

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