Cortisol in the act

10 December 2008

Trust-funded research at the University of Cambridge has identified a link between reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol and antisocial behaviour in male adolescents.

The study shows that, when under stress, adolescents with severe antisocial behaviour exhibit a different change in cortisol levels compared with those without antisocial behaviour. The findings suggest that, in some cases, antisocial behaviour may be affected by an individual’s biological make-up, just as some people are more vulnerable to depression or anxiety.

Cortisol levels in the body usually increase when people undergo a stressful experience. Cortisol enhances memory formation and is thought to make people behave more cautiously and to help regulate emotions, particularly temper and violent impulses.

In the study, young men from schools, pupil referral units and the Youth Offending Service took part in a stressful experiment designed to induce frustration. While the average adolescent showed large increases in cortisol levels during the experiment, levels actually decreased in those with severe antisocial behaviour.

“If we can figure out precisely what underlies the inability to show a normal stress response, we may be able to design new treatments for severe behaviour problems,” said Dr Graeme Fairchild from Cambridge, who led the research.

Image: iStock photo

References

Fairchild G et al. Cortisol diurnal rhythm and stress reactivity in male adolescents with early-onset or adolescence-onset conduct disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2008;64(7):599-606.