HPA-Axis Reactivity Interacts with Stage of Pubertal Development to Predict the Onset of Depression

摘要: Summary Both elevated and blunted levels of cortisol secretion during childhood adolescence have been linked to the subsequent onset major depressive disorder (MDD). These mixed findings may be due developmental changes in HPA-axis functioning, which not previously assessed context risk. In present study, therefore, we examined whether pubertal development moderated influence on MDD. Eighty-nine never-disordered girls ages 9–15 years, many whom were at high risk for depression by virtue having a maternal history disorder, completed laboratory stress task. To index reactivity, salivary samples collected baseline 15 min following stressor. Girls’ measured using Tanner staging. All participants followed through age 18 order assess Pubertal stage effects reactivity Specifically, MDD was predicted hyporeactivity who earlier (Tanner stage ≤ 2), but hyperreactivity later stage ≥ 3.5). Conclusions demonstrate that girls’ predicts MDD, further, nature this effect depends level development. Results are discussed clarifying previous findings, directions future research offered.