Reduced hair cortisol after maltreatment mediates externalizing symptoms in middle childhood and adolescence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The enduring impact of childhood maltreatment on biological systems and ensuing psychopathology remains incompletely understood. Long-term effects of stress may be reflected in cumulative cortisol secretion over several months, which is now quantifiable via hair cortisol concentrations (HCC). We conducted a first comprehensive investigation utilizing the potential of hair cortisol analysis in a large sample of maltreated and nonmaltreated children and adolescents.

Method

Participants included 537 children and adolescents (3-16 years; 272 females) with maltreatment (n = 245) or without maltreatment histories (n = 292). Maltreated subjects were recruited from child protection services (CPS; n = 95), youth psychiatric services (n = 56), and the community (n = 94). Ma

SUBMITTER: White LO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5570647 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature