A review of rhythm and responsiveness of cortisol in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY

卷:49

Review

Taylor, Julie Lounds^1,4  Corbett, Blythe A.^2,3,4 

[1] Vanderbilt Univ, Dept Pediat, Nashville, TN USA

[2] Vanderbilt Univ, Dept Psychiat, Nashville, TN 37235 USA

[3] Vanderbilt Univ, Dept Psychol, Nashville, TN 37240 USA

[4] Vanderbilt Univ, Vanderbilt Kennedy Ctr, Nashville, TN 37235 USA

关键词: Autism spectrum disorder;    HPA axis;    Hormones;    Cortisol;    Diurnal;    Circadian;    Rhythm;    Responsiveness;    Variability;    Social;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.07.015

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Examination of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis via cortisol among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been a growing area of research interest. The following review includes investigations of cortisol conducted with cohorts of individuals with ASD across the lifespan over the past four decades. In general, studies find dysregulation when examining the diurnal rhythm as a whole in lower functioning children with ASD; however, limited evidence exists for alterations in higher functioning individuals and in specific aspects of the diurnal cycle (cortisol awakening response, daily decline, variability) relative to typically developing individuals. Studies examining the responsiveness of cortisol in ASD suggest an overall sluggishness of the HPA axis in responding to physiological or physical manipulation. Hypo-responsiveness was observed in stressors that involve social evaluative threat, however, hyper-responsiveness of the HPA axis was observed in situations involving unpleasant stimuli or relatively benign social situations. A number of important considerations when conducting studies of cortisol in ASD cohorts are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free