Apr 08 2009
Stress Hormone linked to Asperger Syndrome
Our body produces an interesting stress hormone called Cortisol. After waking up, a surge of this hormone alerts our brain to prepare the body for the day and also makes us aware of changes happening around us. So, this is really an important hormone for us. But, the findings of a new study suggests that levels of Cortisol may be linked to Asperger Syndrome, one of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in which the patients shows difficulties in reacting to sudden changes around them.
The levels of Cortisol in the body increases by two-fold within 30 minutes of waking up. Then, during the day the level of hormone gradually decreases according to our body clock. The researchers found that children with Asperger Syndrome do not experience any kind of surge in the hormone level, though hormone decreased during the day like normal people.
Now, the researchers, led by Dr Mark Brosnan and Dr Julie Turner-Cobb from the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, thinks that there might be a link between the levels of Cortisol and the Asperger Syndrome. Why? Because, cortisol makes us react and cope with unexpected changes around us and on the other hand, children with fails to do that. So, reduced levels of cortisol may explain why children with Asperger Syndrome finds it difficult to react and cope with unexpected changes in the environment around them.
The researchers thinks that their findings will help caretakers and teachers in developing strategies for children with Asperger Syndrome so that they can easily avoid stressful situations. The findings of the study was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
