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
