A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF ROLLING THE DIURNAL CORTISOL ACTIVITY IN METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTS WITH AND WITHOUT ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

Background and Aim : Despite the existence of evidence, the role of the endocrine and in particular the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is still unclear. This study was conducted aimed to investigate the predictive role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the activity of HPA axis in chronic methamphetamine abusers. Methods : In a cross-sectional study (TCTR20180910001), during the period from February 2014 to January 2015, 411 chronic methamphetamine abusers were selected through a respondent-driven sampling method from the addicts community in Tehran. The participants were divided into two categories of without adversity and low to moderate adversity through Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Salivary samples were taken at six time intervals and for two consecutive days. Data was analyzed through ANCOVA test and hierarchical linear regression. Results : Individuals who ACEs had a higher rate of total diurnal cortisol level (R2 = 0.09, p = 0.042, β = 0.25). Also, there was a significant relationship between cortisol awakening response (CAR) and two sub-scale sexual abuse (R2 = 0.02, p = 0.019, β = 0.25) and emotional neglect (R2 = 0.21, p = 0.039, β= 0.25), both sub-scale had the highest cortisol output in wake-up. Individuals with childhood adversity had blunted diurnal cortisol slope (Ƞ2= 0.26, p = 0.034, F (1.269) = 4.51). Conclusion : The dysregrulation pattern of diurnal cortisol secretion can be a predictor of early childhood adversity and other mental health problems. The present study helps to understand the effect of ACEs on endocrine function in the behavioral and physiological dimensions of addiction.

Keywords:

Childhood adversity , diurnal cortisol , hypothalamic pituitary adrenal , methamphetamine