Trauma, Attempted Suicide, and Morning Cortisol in a Community Sample of Adolescents

This sutdy explored the association between morning cortisol, trauma, & suicide attempts or ideation among young people. In a community-based sample of 501 15-year-olds, using data from a DSM-IV-compatible interview on suicidal behaviour/ideation, trauma, & morning cortisol, the authors found no association between these factors & morning cortisol. A significant gender interaction was found for those threatened with a weapon – men showing a negative & women a positive association, suggesting that any cortisol/trauma assocations may be partially explained by coexisting behavioral problems & gender. (23 refs.) JA