Hair Cortisol Analysis Research Articles

Use of hair cortisol analysis to detect hypercortisolism during active drinking phases in alcohol-dependent individuals

The assessment of cortisol levels in human hair has recently been suggested to provide a retrospective index of cumulative cortisol exposure over periods of up to 6 months. The current study examined the utility of hair cortisol analysis to retrospectively detect hypercortisolism during active drinking phases in alcoholics in acute withdrawal ( n = 23), the normalisation of cortisol output in abstinent alcoholics ( n = 25) and cortisol levels in age- and gender-matched controls ( n = 20). Scalp-near 3-cm hair segments were sampled and analysed for cortisol content. Results showed three to fourfold higher cortisol levels in hair samples of alcoholics in acute withdrawal than in those of abstinent alcoholics ( p < .001) or controls ( p < .001), with no differences between the latter two groups. The current hair cortisol findings closely mirror results of previous research using well-established measures of systemic cortisol secretion and thus provide further validation of this novel method.

An assessment of cortisol analysis in hair and its clinical applications

Hair analyses for exogenous compounds, specifically drugs of abuse, have been a useful tool in detecting long-term drug exposure. More recently, studies have delved into the exposure of endogenous compounds in hair. Cortisol is synthesized in the adrenal cortex in response to stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. While catecholamines generally indicate acute stress, cortisol can be used as an indicator for sub-acute and chronic stress. Studies on the effects of chronic stress are most often subjective in nature, relying on questionnaires asking the participant to recall on past stressors. This can lead to the issue of recall and reporting bias. A new objective measure of chronic stress is needed for a more accurate understanding of the effects of chronic stress on the body. This review uses emerging evidence to describe the usefulness of hair analysis for cortisol and discusses the current methods used.

S.02.03 Predictive models of suicidal behaviour in mood disorders

Research on HPA axis dysregulation has been associated with vulnerability to, or perseverence of, several mental disorders. Hoever, measurements of cortisol levels in blood, saliva and/or urine have yielded variable results. Nevertheless, cortisol analysis in scalp hair appears to be a consistent tool for measurement of long-term exposure to stress. This article provides a systematic review of studies exploring hair cortisol concentrations in patients with mental disorders in comparison with healthy controls.This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for relevant articles, using a specific syntax.A total of 582 articles were identified, of which 22 were finally included. Patients with depression show a general trend for higher hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) than controls, whereas patients with PTSD tend to demonstrate lower HCC. Very little is known about other mental disorders, including suicidality and drug abuse. The divergence of samples included and the timing of cortisol sampling, seem to play a key role in the discrepancies of the results. Correlations of HCC with self-reported measures of stress were found, at best, inconclusive.Further research should attempt to describe specific cortisol profiles for each psychiatric disorder and HCC could contribute in evaluating therapy outcomes and predicting relapses. Obtaining information on HCC in different stages of psychiatric disorders in association with pertinent clinical variables, might help in forging a neuroendocrine model for clinical staging of mental disorders.