HPA Axis Variation and ACEs; Childhood Sexual Trauma is Associated with Lower Hair Cortisol in Adulthood

Abstract

Early life trauma impacts the HPA axis and can manifest as hyperactivity or a blunted activity. This study explored the types of trauma, age of trauma, and possible critical stages of development that impact different types of HPA axis function. 84 Participants were recruited and provided a hair sample. They then completed a modified adverse childhood experiences (ACE) questionnaire, including the age and duration at which each ACE was experienced. Participants were randomly assigned to either a stress group that was presented with an anticipated stressor, or a control group that was not. Saliva samples were collected before and after experiencing their assignment group. No significant relationships were found between stressor, ACE score, and cortisol reactivity. Independent sample t-tests compared hair cortisol levels of those who endorsed each of the ACE indices and those who did not. Sexual trauma was the only type of trauma that was significantly related to hair cortisol. Years sexual abuse occurred was related to blunted hair cortisol, with the age group of 5-7 being the only age bracket related to lower hair cortisol. Sexual trauma was related to blunted hair cortisol, with specific considerations for the ages 5-7 pointing to a potential critical stage of development. With diversity in how cortisol results from HPA axis activation, this information suggests it’s necessary to consider the heterogeneity of stress responses potentially presenting as both hyperactive and blunted function of the HPA axis while simultaneously considering the type, quantity, and age of trauma experienced.