Stress Load, Stress Coping and Activity of HPA Axis in Adolescents with Major Depression

Abstract

Based on former empirical studies and theoretical considerations the present study investigated differences in stress load and stress coping between adolescent girls with major depression and controls. In addition, a biological indicator of chronic stress (the cortisol awakening response) was measured. 148 girls with a mean age of 15 years were studied. 74 fulfilled DSM IV criteria for major depression. Stress symptoms and stress coping was measured with SSKJ 3-8 and SVFKJ which are validated German questionnaires. Depressed girls reported a significantly higher stress load and significantly more destructive stress coping. The results are interpreted with respect to a stress-related psychobiological model of depression in youth.