Effects of early childhood trauma on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction has been found in a high proportion of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and includes enhanced corticosteroid-induced negative feedback, basal hypocortisolism, attenuated diurnal variation, and a reduced responsivity to challenge. A putative causal role for genetic profile, childhood trauma, and oxidative stress has been considered. In addition, the impact of gender is demonstrated by the increased frequency of HPA axis dysregulation in females. Despite the temporal relationship, it is not yet established whether the endocrine dysregulation is causal, consequent, or an epiphenomenon of the disorder. Nonetheless, given the interindividual variation in the effectiveness of existing biological and psychological treatments, the need for novel treatment strategies such as those which target the HPA axis is clear.

Download Full-text

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Circadian Rhythm and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Impairment

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1177/039463200101400103 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 11-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

D. Racciatti ◽

M. T. Guagnano ◽

J. Vecchiet ◽

P. L. De Remigis ◽

E. Pizzigallo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Circadian Rhythm ◽

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Fatigue Syndrome

Download Full-text

Faculty Opinions recommendation of Childhood trauma and risk for chronic fatigue syndrome: association with neuroendocrine dysfunction.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.1157939.618008 ◽

2009 ◽

Author(s):

Salvatore Benvenga

Keyword(s):

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽

Childhood Trauma ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Fatigue Syndrome ◽

Syndrome Association

Download Full-text

The HPA axis and the genesis of chronic fatigue syndrome

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1016/j.tem.2003.12.002 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 55-59 ◽

Cited By ~ 134

Author(s):

Anthony J. Cleare

Keyword(s):

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Fatigue Syndrome

Download Full-text

Rethinking childhood adversity in chronic fatigue syndrome

10.7287/peerj.preprints.1571v1 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

James E Clark ◽

Sean Davidson ◽

Laura Maclachlan ◽

Megan Lynn ◽

Julia L Newton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽

Childhood Trauma ◽

Childhood Adversity ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽

History Of Childhood ◽

Fatigue Syndrome ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

History Of

Objectives: Previous studies have consistently shown increased rates of childhood adversity in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, such aetiopathogenic studies of CFS are potentially confounded by co-morbidity and misdiagnosis particularly with depression. We used a modelling approach with existing data and data generated in our examination of the rates of childhood adversity in a sample of CFS patients who had no lifetime history of depression. Methods: The childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) was completed by a sample of 52 participants and 19 controls with chronic fatigue syndrome who did not meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder (confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV). Subsequently, Mediation Analysis (Baye’s Rules) was used to establish the risk childhood adversity poses for CFS with and without depression. Results: In a cohort of CFS patients with depression robustly excluded, CTQ scores were markedly lower than in all previous studies and, in contrast to these previous studies, not increased compared with healthy controls. Post-hoc analysis showed that CTQ scores correlated with the number of depressive symptoms during the lifetime worst period of low mood. The probability of developing CFS given a history of childhood trauma was shown to be 4%, a two-fold increased risk compared to the general population. However, much of this risk is mediated by the concomitant development of major depression. Discussion: The data suggests that previous studies showing a relationship between childhood adversity and CFS may be mediated by depression

Download Full-text