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Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Their Potential Role in the Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Outcomes.

Authors :
Schumacher, Sarah
Engel, Sinha
Niemeyer, Helen
Küster, Annika
Burchert, Sebastian
Skoluda, Nadine
Rau, Heinrich
Nater, Urs M.
Willmund, Gerd-Dieter
Knaevelsrud, Christine
Source :
Journal of Traumatic Stress; Feb2022, Vol. 35 Issue 1, p78-89, 12p
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Alterations in HPA-axis and autonomic nervous system activity have been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development and maintenance and are potentially associated with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) outcomes. We examined the role of salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA) in PTSD and TF-CBT outcomes in German Armed Forces service members (N = 100). Participants categorized as PTSD patients (n = 39), previously deployed healthy controls (n = 33), and nondeployed healthy controls (n = 28) provided diurnal profiles of sCort and sAA; PTSD patients provided samples before, immediately after, and 3 months after an internet-based TF-CBT intervention. No group differences emerged regarding total daily sCort and sAA output or daily slopes, ps = .224-.897, fs = 0.05-0.24. Participants with PTSD demonstrated a significantly attenuated sCort awakening response compared to deployed, p = .021, d = 0.59, but not nondeployed controls, p = .918, d = 0.08. Moreover, a significantly steeper sAA awakening response emerged in PTSD patients, p = .034, d = 0.67, and deployed controls, p = .014, d = 0.80, compared to nondeployed controls. From pretreatment to posttreatment (n = 21) and posttreatment to follow-up (n = 14), stable sCort, ps = .282-.628, fs = 0.34-0.49, and sAA concentrations, ps = .068-.758, fs = 0.24-1.13 paralleled a nonsignificant treatment effect. Both PTSD and trauma exposure were associated with alterations in awakening responses, but further investigation is needed to determine whether the observed correspondence remains when PTSD symptoms significantly decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
08949867
Volume :
35
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Traumatic Stress
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
155881094
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22683