Other Publication Details
Mandatory Fields
Reviews
Allen, AP,Kennedy, PJ,Cryan, JF,Dinan, TG,Clarke, G
2014
January
Biological and psychological markers of stress in humans: Focus on the Trier Social Stress Test
Validated
1
Optional Fields
Stress Cortisol ACTH Serotonin HPA axis Sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system Brain-gut axis Heart rate Immune system Genetics ACUTE PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESS PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS SALIVARY ALPHA-AMYLASE IRRITABLE-BOWEL-SYNDROME DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST SYMPATHETIC-NERVOUS-SYSTEM HEALTHY-YOUNG MEN RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL INDUCED CORTISOL ELEVATION HEART-RATE-VARIABILITY
Validated biological and psychological markers of acute stress in humans are an important tool in translational research. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), involving public interview and mental arithmetic performance, is among the most popular methods of inducing acute stress in experimental settings, and reliably increases hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. However, although much research has focused on HPA axis activity, the TSST also affects the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system, the immune system, cardiovascular outputs, gastric function and cognition. We critically assess the utility of different biological and psychological markers, with guidance for future research, and discuss factors which can moderate TSST effects. We outline the effects of the TSST in stress-related disorders, and if these responses can be abrogated by pharmacological and psychological treatments. Modified TSST protocols are discussed, and the TSST is compared to alternative methods of inducing acute stress. Our analysis suggests that multiple readouts are necessary to derive maximum information; this strategy will enhance our understanding of the psychobiology of stress and provide the means to assess novel therapeutic agents. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
94
124
10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.11.005
Grant Details