Hair Cortisol Concentration and Mental Disorder in Children With Chronic Physical Illness

Abstract

Background To examine changes in hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in children with chronic physical illness and identify patterns of association between HCC and mental comorbidity. Methods A sample of 50 children aged 6 to 16 years were recruited within six months of being diagnosed with a chronic physical illness. Data were collected via hair samples, structured interviews, and behavioral checklists. Results There was no change in HCC over six months. Baseline HCC was associated with internalizing—odds ratio (OR) = 1.29 (90% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.66)—and externalizing disorders—OR = 1.32 (90% CI: 1.07–1.64). Externalizing disorder at six months was associated with elevated baseline—OR = 1.25 (90% CI: 1.02–1.53)—and six-month HCC—OR = 1.25 (90% CI: 1.02–1.54). Associations between HCC and mental disorder weakened over time, and for internalizing disorders, changed direction (i.e., inverse association), albeit not significantly. Conclusion Results provide preliminary evidence that physiological stress, measured using HCC, may be implicated in the relationship between physical and mental illness, and these associations align with attenuated stress responses over time.

Hair Cortisol and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Mental Disorder

“…22 The protocol for hair processing was based on that of Vaghri et al 23 and has been previously used successfully. 11,24 Samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the High Sensitivity Salivary Cortisol Immunoassay Kit (Cat# 1-3002, Salimetrics, Pennsylvania).…”

“…9,10 This is also evident in the context of physical illness whereby HPA dysregulation, as measured by hair cortisol concentration (HCC), was found to be associated with the onset of mental disorder in children and adolescents with physical illness. 11 The extent to which cortisol is associated with HRQoL in children and adolescents is unclear. One study found no association between HCC and HRQoL among healthy children, 12 and the second found a positive association between HCC and HRQoL only among high-risk children whose mothers had been exposed to early-life maltreatment (ie, moderating effect).…”

Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life-course (MY LIFE): protocol of a Canadian prospective study

“…Hair will be collected using a standardised approach by research staff from children/youth and parents by cutting approximately 80 strands (roughly 4 mm diameter) from the posterior vertex of the head, as close to the scalp as possible. the extraction and assaying of cortisol will follow established procedures, which we have also used previously 34. Variables hypothesised to affect hair cortisol concentration (eg, hair washes, medications, smoking behaviour (including exposure to secondhand smoke)) will be collected via parent report on a separate form 67 71 72…”

“…the extraction and assaying of cortisol will follow established procedures, which we have also used previously. 34 Variables hypothesised to affect hair cortisol concentration (eg, hair washes, medications, smoking behaviour (including exposure to secondhand smoke)) will be collected via parent report on a separate form. 67 71 72 While parents are completing study questionnaires, children 2-5 years will complete the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, second edition (PDMS-2) to assess gross motor development.…”

“…However, that study did not examine these mechanisms in the context of children having a physical condition. Recent evidence in this vulnerable population not only shows a confluence of biological and psychosocial pathways linking physical and mental health,34 35 but that effects may be different for male and female children 36. Relatedly, there is robust evidence demonstrating the positive effect of physical activity and exercise on the mental health of,37–41 as well as reducing levels of inflammatory markers in, children and youth 42–44.…”