Mindfulness and cortisol Flashcards
What is cortisol?
It is steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex in response to stress
What two things happen once you recognise a threat?
The paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus releases a poly-peptide (CRH) which starts sympathetic nervous system. (SAM axis)
CRH also stimulates the anterior piturarty to secrete ACTH (adrenocorticotrpic hormone), this causes adrenal glands to secrete cortisol and increases energy and further stimulates the sympathetic nervous system
Name one benefit and one drawback to cortisol and the what mediates the difference.
Can be anti-inflammatory
Can be detrimental to functions and tissues.
Beneficial if short term, detrimental if tonic
What is CAR, as described by Prussener (1997) and how is it used?
Cortisol awakening response
Used to measure HPA axis functioning
What studies have found a link between CAR and HPA axis?
Lowell (2011) increased levels of perceived threats lead to flatter diurnal slopes and increased cortisol during the day
O’Connor (2009) Found link between HPA axis dysregulation and perceived threat as measured by CAR
What ways can we measure cortisol?
Saliva, serum, hair, urine
What is the advantages and disadvantage of salvia cortisol measurement?
Easy to administer, Not accurate as they change during the day
What can be said about the relationship between serum and salvia with regards to cortisol levels?
They are non-linear
What are some considerations for measuring cortisol in research?
1: Will the baseline be the same at the same time during the day
2: Can you compare studies using serum and saliva
3: How many samples are required to be accurate
4: Would one sample be enough to be reliable?
Briefly describe the Marcus et al 2003 study on mindfulness and cortisol.
21 participants took part in 5 2.5 sessions of mindfulness over 8 weeks learning 5 mindfulness techniques walking, eating, sitting, body scan, and hatha yoga. They were instructed to also practice mindfulness for 45-60minutes at home 6 times a week.
How did Marcus et al measure stress, what did they find and what were the limitations?
Cortisol was measured stress with Salvia on waking and via perceived stress scale.
A reduction of cortisol was found, but no significant change was detected in the PSS.
No control group
Small Sample
Insufficient salvia in 4 participants
Briefly desribe the Carlson et al study (2013)?
In this study 271 breast cancer survivors were allocated into 3 groups, MBSR (8 weeks), Supportive-Expressive group therapy (12 weeks) and Stress management Seminar. Contact hours were the same in MBCR and SET at 18 hours and 6 hours in SMS.
How was stress measured in Carlson et el’s Study?
Via stress symptom measures
Via Mood state measures
Via salvia at 4 points in the day:
Waking, peak, 5pm and bedtime
What were the results of Carlson’s study?
MBCR group Stress symptoms improved
Cortisol slopes improved in both MBCR and SET during waking hours
What were the limitations of Carlson’s study?
Only breast cancer survivors
No follow up
Briefly describe the Chadi et al (2016) study.
20 female teenagers suffering from chronic pain divided into experiential group and control group (waitlist). Given a combination of MBSR and MBCT modified for teenage consumption
How was stress measured in the Chadi study?
Via quality of life, depression, anxiety, pain perception and psychological distress reports.
Salvia
What were the results of the Chadi study?
No significant changes in reports
Significant changes in salvia pre and post interventions
What did Sanda et al’s study show?
Using 5 RCT’s concerned with the general health population they showed that there was only a low to moderate effective of mindfulness based therapies on cortisol.
Mmm It illustrated the complexity of standardising these tests and finding consistent results
How could future studies improve on precious work done on mindfulness based intervention research?
Taking on board recommendations from the literature
Replicating previous studies
What did Matvienko-Silkar and Dockray look at?
Looked at effect of mindfulness or gratitude interventions in pregnant women.
Why are pregnant women of particular interest with stress?
Prenatal stress is associated with:
High levels of anxiety and depression
Low levels of self esteem and life satisfaction
Experienced by 25% of all pregnant women
How has gratitude be defined and who defined it?
A worldview towards noticing and appreciating the positive in life
Wood, Joseph, Maltbee
What did Matvienko-Silkar and Dockray find in their study?
Stress and cortisol was significantly decreased due to interventions, but not most well being measures or CAR.
