Salivary Cortisol: A Psychophysiological Marker for PTSD

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA540570 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Known as the stress hormone,cortisol is secreted at higher levels in the bloodstream during the bodys fight or flight response to stress as it is responsible for multiple stress related responses in the body. Moderate increases in cortisol levels can have positive effects on the body as energy levels increase, memory functions are heightened, along with the management of homeostasis following a stressful event. However, levels that are too high or too low may have adverse physiological, cognitive and behavioral effects. In previous tests, participants with adverse reactions to stress, often exhibited lower levels of cortisol following a lab-induced trauma-related stressor. Our research is aimed at analyzing the validity of measuring baseline salivary cortisol levels of Soldiers as a marker for individuals who might have PTSD following exposure to combat related stress.

Author(s):
Crosbie, Jeff ; Pitonyak, John ; Burrell, Lolita M. ; Matthews, Michael D.
Author Organization(s):
MILITARY ACADEMY WEST POINT NY DEPT OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND LEADERSHIP
Descriptive Note:
Research rept.
Supplementary Note:
West Point Resilience Project (WPRP).
Pagination:
0026

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
USMA-PL488E5
Monitor Series:
USMA
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_1.4.1_Force Health Protection; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.6.1_Assess Compliance with Guidance; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.5.3_Establish Metrics; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2.1_Training
Modernization Areas:
AI and Machine Learning
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
*CORTISOL, *POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, *MILITARY PERSONNEL, HEART RATE, PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE, SALIVA, RESILIENCE, CATECHOLAMINES, BRAIN, RECOVERY, BLOOD PRESSURE
Field(s)/Group(s):
Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Medicine and Medical Research, Military Forces and Organizations
Keyword(s):
*SALIVARY CORTISOL, CSF(COMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER FITNESS), CSF PROGRAM, PTSD(POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER), PTG(POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH), PTGI(PTG INVENTORY), PTGI ASSESSMENT, IC(INSULAR CORTEX), OFC(ORBITOFRONTAL CORTEX), AMYGDALA, ACC(ANTERIOR CINGULATED CORTEX), DLPC(DORSOLATERAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX), VLPC(VENTROLATERAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX), ANTICIPATION, SAM(SYMPATHETIC ADRENOMEDULLARY AXIS), CRH(CORTICOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE)
Report Date:
2011 Apr 01
Creation Date:
2011 Apr 27