Hair cortisol concentrations in decedents with severe mental illness – An autopsy-based cohort study

摘要: Abstract Severe mental illness (SMI) is associated with a marked increase in mortality, both from natural and unnatural causes. Patients may be subject to accelerated aging an increased disposition for developing chronic somatic disease. One possible contributory cause this hyperactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis subsequent levels cortisol. This study analyzed hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) samples forensic autopsies patients SMI, validated via health registry data. Results: HCC was not particular diagnosis or compared decedents without SMI. higher who had been prescribed psychotropic medication, especially SSRI benzodiazepines. history coerced admissions high number days admission. Future studies evaluating as proxy marker stress should consider including medication covariate. Reference ranges healthy adults standardized methods are needed order provide better interpretation patient HCC.