Salivary Cortisol: A Psychophysiological Marker for PTSD

摘要

Known as the 'stress hormone,'cortisol is secreted at higher levels in the bloodstream during the body's '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.