Cited by 425Stress Responses and CortisolChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentChild Abuse and Trauma

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation in depressed children and adolescents: A meta-analysis

Open access
Lopez-Duran, Nestor L., Kovacs, Maria, George, Charles J.·2009·Psychoneuroendocrinology

Abstract

Research findings on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and pediatric depression reflect a variety of methodological approaches that tap different facets of HPA-axis functions. Partly owing to the methodological heterogeneity of studies, descriptive reviews of this area have produced inconsistent conclusions. Therefore, we conducted formal meta-analyses of pertinent studies in order to advance our understanding of HPA-axis dysregulation in pediatric depression. We examined: (a) 17 published studies of HPA-axis response to the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in depressed youth (DST; N=926) and (b) 17 studies of basal HPA-axis functioning (N=1332). We also examined descriptively studies that used corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) infusion, and those that used psychological probes of the HPA-axis. The global standardized mean effect size difference in HPA-axis response to the DST between depressed and non-depressed youth was 0.57, z=4.18, p<0.01. The global standardized mean difference effect size in basal HPA-axis functioning was 0.20, z=4.53, p<0.01. Age, sex, timing of sampling, dexamethasone dosage, or type of control group was not a significant source of variability for the DST or basal studies. In addition, when compared to non-depressed peers, depressed youth have a normative response to CRH infusion but an overactive response to psychological stressors. In conclusion, the HPA-axis system tends to be dysregulated in depressed youth, as evidenced by atypical responses to the DST, higher baseline cortisol values, and an overactive response to psychological stressors. This pattern of dysregulation suggests anomalies within the axis's negative feedback system and CRH production, but intact pituitary and adrenal sensitivity.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.03.016

Cites

75 of 75 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

0 of 22 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingcitation

    Rao et al. (2008) found mean effect-size differences of .66 in peak cortisol and .91 to .96 during recovery between depressed adolescents and non-psychiatric controls after a social stress task.

    “Furthermore, Rao et al (2008) compared the cortisol response of depressed adolescents and a non-psychiatric control group after a social stress task and found mean effect size differences of .66 in peak cortisol levels, and of .91 to .96 during recovery.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rao et al (2008)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingown data

    Data on HPA-axis response to psychological stressors in depressed pediatric populations are scant.

    “Furthermore, data on HPA-axis response to psychological stressors in this clinical population were noticeably scant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Only three relevant studies of HPA-axis reactivity to psychological stressors in depressed children or adolescents were found.

    “Surprisingly, we found only three relevant studies of HPA-axis reactivity to psychological stressors in children or adolescents with depression.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingcitation

    Four CRH infusion studies found no significant difference in cortisol or ACTH secretion between MDD and non-MDD groups.

    “Four studies compared cortisol levels post CRH infusion, but none found a significant difference in cortisol or ACTH secretion between MDD and non-MDD groups (Birmaher et al., 1996; Dorn et al., 1996; Kaufman et al., 1997; Ronsaville et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Birmaher et al., 1996

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Dorn et al., 1996 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Kaufman et al., 1997 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingown data

    None of the examined factors predicted average basal cortisol effect-size differences between MDD and control groups.

    “Age, sex, timing of sampling, dexamethasone dosage, or type of control group was not a significant source of variability for the DST or basal studies.”
    • Also stated in: § Basal HPA Axis Functioning Studies: Meta Analysis · plain
      “None of the factors examined predicted average effect size differences between the MDD and control groups.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 26
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 1
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The analysis found no significant effects of sampling time or control-group type.

    “Likewise, we found no significant effects of time of sampling and type of control group (psychiatric vs. healthy peers).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Baseline cortisol group differences were not a function of sex, age, control-group type, or sample collection time.

    “However, group differences in baseline cortisol did not appear to be a function of sex, age, type of control group, or time of the sample collection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Basal cortisol effect sizes showed non-significant heterogeneity (.0000, z=.00, p>.20), indicating limited between-study variability.

    “The estimate of heterogeneity was not significant (.0000), z = .00, p > .20, suggesting limited between-study variability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In a meta-analysis of 17 basal cortisol studies (27 samples, N=1,332, 28 effect sizes; pooled k=36), depressed youth had a pooled standardized mean difference of .20 (z=4.53, p<.01, 95% CI .11-.29) versus non-depressed controls, indicating higher basal cortisol.

    “The global standardized mean difference effect size in basal HPA-axis functioning was .20, z = 4.53, p < .01.”
    • Also stated in: § Basal HPA Axis Functioning Studies: Meta Analysis · hedged
      “Using a random effects model, the pooled effect size (k = 36) for group differences in basal cortisol levels was .20 (z = 4.53, p < .01; 95% CI .11 – .29) indicating a tendency for depressed children and adolescents to have higher basal cortisol levels than non-MDD controls.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Luby et al. (2003) found mean effect-size differences of .30 versus psychiatric controls and .21 versus healthy controls at 30 minutes post-stress, suggesting higher post-stress cortisol in the depressed group.

    “For Luby et al. (2003), the mean effect size differences between the MDD group and psychiatric and healthy controls at 30 minutes post-stress were .30 and .21, suggesting higher post stress cortisol in the depressed group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Luby et al. (2003) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    DST effect sizes showed significant heterogeneity (.26, z=2.33, p<.01), indicating large between-study variability.

    “The estimate of heterogeneity was significant (.26), z = 2.33, p < .01, suggesting large between-study variability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The analysis found no significant age differences in HPA-axis response, contrary to previous descriptive reviews.

    “However, contrary to previous descriptive reviews, which proposed that age influences HPA axis response in depressed youngsters (Birmaher & Heydl, 2001), our analysis found no significant age differences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Age, sex, sampling time, dexamethasone dose, and control-group type did not significantly predict DST effect sizes.

    “Age, sex, timing of sampling, dexamethasone dosage, or type of control group was not a significant source of variability for the DST or basal studies.”
    • Also stated in: § Dexamethasone Suppression Test: Meta-Analysis · plain
      “None of the factors examined significantly predicted effect sizes in DST response.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In a meta-analysis of 17 DST studies (18 samples, N=926, 49 effect sizes), depressed children and adolescents showed a pooled standardized mean difference of .57 (z=4.18, p<.01, 95% CI .28-.86) versus non-depressed controls, indicating greater post-DST cortisol production or less suppression.

    “The global standardized mean effect size difference in HPA-axis response to the DST between depressed and non-depressed youth was .57, z = 4.18 p< .01.”
    • Also stated in: § Dexamethasone Suppression Test: Meta-Analysis · hedged
      “Using a mixed, random effects model, the pooled effect size (k = 49) for group differences in DST response was .57 (z = 4.18, p < .01; 95% CI .28 – .86) indicating greater cortisol production (or less suppression) after the DST among depressed children and adolescents than among non-MDD controls.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Effect sizes from Kaufman et al. (1997) for CRH infusion were -.13 for total cortisol production, -.14 for peak cortisol, and -.11 for pre-to-post change.

    “The effect sizes were -.13, -.14, and -.11, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kaufman et al., 1997 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The DST and basal findings point toward possible anomalies in the HPA-axis tonic system.

    “Depressed youth's dysregulated HPA-axis response to the DST suggests possible alterations in the mechanism in charge of regulating tonic cortisol levels.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · hedged
      “All in all, our results point towards possible anomalies within HPA-axis tonic system as reflected by dysregulated response to the DST and elevated basal cortisol levels.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Compared with non-depressed peers, depressed youth have a normative response to CRH infusion but an overactive response to psychological stressors.

    “In addition, when compared to non-depressed peers, depressed youth have a normative response to CRH infusion but an overactive response to psychological stressors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Contradictory psychological stress findings may be due to baseline cortisol differences before stress tasks, with depressed preschoolers showing higher cortisol across the protocol, which could constrain stress response.

    “These contradictory findings are possibly due to group differences in baseline cortisol levels prior to the stress tasks, with the depressed preschool groups showing higher cortisol levels across the entire protocol (whether because of elevated tonic levels or chronic stress response to the entire laboratory experience), which could constrain the stress response to specific tasks.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Luby et al. (2003) reported blunted percentage-change reactivity in the depressed group, likely because baseline values were already elevated.

    “However, Luby et al. (2003) reported blunted reactivity (percentage change) in the depressed group, likely due to already elevated baseline values.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Luby et al. (2003) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lack of timing effects indicates the dysregulation is not specific to any time point, as would be expected if driven by circadian anomalies.

    “The lack of timing effects are particularly remarkable, as this indicates that the dysregulation is not specific to any time point, as would be expected if the dysregulation was driven by anomalies within circadian systems.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Depressed youth have higher cortisol levels throughout the day than non-depressed youth, reflecting hypercortisolaemia.

    “Consistent with the DST results, our meta-analysis suggests that depressed youth have higher cortisol levels throughout the day than do non-depressed youth, also reflecting hypercortisolaemia.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rao et al. (1997) reported significant reductions in basal cortisol after remission from an MDD episode, indicating HPA-axis dysregulation may be accentuated during depressive states.

    “For example, while Rao et al. (1997) reported significant reductions in basal cortisol after remission from an MDD episode, indicating that HPA-Axis dysregulation may be accentuated during depressive states, there is also evidence that HPA dysregulation is already present prior to the onset of depressive symptoms (Halligan et al., 2007) or MDD (Goodyer et al., 2000b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rao et al. (1997) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The three available psychological stress studies suggest depressed preschoolers show blunted percentage-change reactivity but higher peak cortisol, while depressed adolescents show higher reactivity and delayed recovery.

    “The three available studies suggest that, compared to non-depressed peers, depressed preschoolers show blunted reactivity (percentage change) but higher peak cortisol levels, while depressed adolescents show higher reactivity and delayed recovery.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Hypercortisolemia has been consistently found in depressed adults.

    “Hypercortisolemia has been consistently found in depressed adults (Christensen & Kessing, 2001; Gillespie & Nemeroff, 2005), and has been examined as a potential predictor of various outcomes (e.g., treatment response; Ribeiro et al., 1993) as well as one cause of the brain structural anomalies observed in depressed patients (Videbech & Ravnkilde, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Christensen & Kessing, 2001 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Gillespie & Nemeroff, 2005 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Baseline cortisol group differences are markedly less robust than DST response differences, suggesting dysregulated DST responses do not necessarily translate to tonic HPA-axis dysregulation.

    “Group differences in baseline cortisol also appear to be markedly less robust than differences in DST responses, suggesting that dysregulated responses to the DST do not necessarily translate to tonic HPA-axis dysregulation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Most longitudinal studies were conducted with children at risk due to subclinical signs of depression, raising the possibility that observed cortisol differences before MDD onset reflected an already underway disease process.

    “However, most longitudinal studies were conducted with children who were “at-risk” due to the presence of subclinical signs of depression, raising the possibility that the observed cortisol differences prior to MDD onset may have reflected the disease process already underway (see for example Goodyer et al., 2003, 2000a, 2000b).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Goodyer et al., 2003 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Goodyer et al., 2000a

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Goodyer et al., 2000b

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Depressed youth tend to have a dysregulated DST response and moderately higher daily cortisol levels than controls.

    “Specifically, as compared to control peers, depressed youth tend to have a dysregulated response to the dexamethasone suppression test and moderately higher cortisol levels throughout the day.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Burke et al. (2005) found mean cortisol differences between depressed and non-depressed adults of .27 during stress response and 1.39 during recovery.

    “In their meta-analysis, the mean cortisol difference between the depressed and non-depressed groups was .27 in stress response and 1.39 during recovery.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Burke et al. (2005) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    HPA-axis dysregulation is not unique to depression and is observed in other disorders such as PTSD and social anxiety.

    “This is of great importance given that HPA-axis dysregulation is not unique to depression and is observed in many other disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (de Kloet et al., 2006) and social anxiety (Beaton et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites de Kloet et al., 2006 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Beaton et al., 2006 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The pattern of dysregulation suggests anomalies within the axis's negative feedback system and CRH production, but intact pituitary and adrenal sensitivity.

    “This pattern of dysregulation suggests anomalies within the axis's negative feedback system and CRH production, but intact pituitary and adrenal sensitivity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The pediatric psychological stress findings are consistent with Burke et al.'s adult findings, showing a modest reactivity difference but much stronger recovery difference.

    “This is consistent with our findings on pediatric samples using psychological stressors that show a modest group difference in reactivity but much stronger difference during recovery.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Burke et al. (2005) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The normative cortisol response to CRH infusion among depressed youngsters suggests intact hypothalamic sensitivity to CRH and/or intact adrenal sensitivity to ACTH.

    “This normative cortisol response to CRH infusion among depressed youngsters suggests intact hypothalamic sensitivity to CRH and/or intact adrenal sensitivity to ACTH.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Relative suppression of ACTH and cortisol after CRH infusion indicates pituitary under-sensitivity to CRH.
27 of 27
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Relative suppression of ACTH and cortisol after CRH infusion indicates pituitary under-sensitivity to CRH.

    “Relative suppression (limited increase) of ACTH and cortisol release after CRH infusion suggests pituitary under-sensitivity to CRH.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Responses to psychological probes can reflect negative feedback dysregulation, oversensitivity to CRH or ACTH, and/or cognitive factors.

    “responses to psychological probes may reflect differences within various HPA-axis components, including dysregulation of the negative feedback system, oversensitivity to CRH or ACTH, and/or differences in cognitive factors (e.g., attention, depressive rumination) that could lead to acute activation of the HPA-axis.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The general findings of studies omitted by the strict selection criteria are consistent with the meta-analysis results.

    “Yet, the general findings of the omitted studies are consistent with our results, suggesting HPA-axis dysregulation in pediatric depression.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    High total cortisol production over a 24-hour cycle indicates possible tonic hypercortisolaemia.

    “For example, while high levels of total cortisol production during a 24-hour cycle indicate possible tonic hypercortisolaemia, samples obtained upon awakening (during the cortisol awakening response) are not necessarily reflective of tonic HPA-axis functioning and instead reflect stress reactivity (Edwards et al., 2001; Schmidt-Reinwald et al., 1999).”
4 of 4

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The link between psychological distress-depression and anxiety symptoms-and cortisol reactivity is inconsistent.

    “Psychological distress, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, have shown an inconsistent relationship with cortisol response.”

    From Relationship of Mindfulness to Distress and Cortisol Response in Adolescent Girls At-Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. (2018) · cites this paper as Lopez-Duran, Kovacs, & George, 2009

    The Results section on psychological challenge studies and the Discussion describe differing cortisol responses among depressed preschoolers and adolescents, supporting an inconsistent picture for pediatric depression. The paper does not establish the claimed relationship for anxiety symptoms or psychological distress generally; it focuses on depression in children and adolescents. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Other work indicates that depression and anxiety symptoms are tied to exaggerated or extended cortisol reactions to acute stress.

    “However, other studies suggest that depressive and anxiety symptoms relate to hyper or prolonged cortisol response to acute stress (Lopez-Duran, Kovacs, & George, 2009).”

    From Relationship of Mindfulness to Distress and Cortisol Response in Adolescent Girls At-Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. (2018) · cites this paper as Lopez-Duran, Kovacs, & George, 2009

    The Results and Discussion sections report higher cortisol responses and delayed recovery after psychological stress in depressed adolescents. But the evidence concerns depressed youth, not anxiety symptoms; the Discussion also reports blunted reactivity in depressed preschoolers and says evidence on psychological stress responses is limited. Page numbers are not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.87)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • A meta-analysis of 651 depressed children and adolescents found greater basal cortisol levels in MDD children and adolescents compared to controls.

    “A meta-analysis of 651 depressed children and adolescents found greater basal cortisol levels in MDD children and adolescents compared to controls (156).”

    From Childhood Trauma, the HPA Axis and Psychiatric Illnesses: A Targeted Literature Synthesis (2022) · cites this paper as [156]

    The Results section (Basal HPA Axis Functioning Studies: Meta Analysis; page unavailable) reports that depressed children and adolescents tended to have higher basal cortisol levels than non-MDD controls. It gives N = 1,332 across the compared groups, but does not substantiate the claim that 651 of them were depressed children and adolescents. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Depressed children and adolescents (N = 388) revealed higher cortisol post DST in a meta-analysis, while cortisol and ACTH levels post-CRH infusion were non-significant between groups.

    “Depressed children and adolescents (N = 388) revealed higher cortisol post DST in a metaanalysis. Conversely, cortisol and ACTH levels post-CRH infusion were non-significant between groups (156).”

    From Childhood Trauma, the HPA Axis and Psychiatric Illnesses: A Targeted Literature Synthesis (2022) · cites this paper as [156]

    The Results section, “Dexamethasone Suppression Test: Meta-Analysis” (page not provided), reports higher post-DST cortisol in depressed youth, but the analysis included N = 926, not 388. “Additional Descriptive Analysis of HPA-Axis Probes” reports no significant post-CRH cortisol or ACTH differences between groups; the Methods clarify that too few CRH studies were available for a formal meta-analysis. (LLM, conf=0.92)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Inflammatory cytokines may indirectly upregulate glucocorticoids by interfering with glucocorticoid receptor function, leading to continued CRH synthesis and sustained HPA-axis activation.

    “Inflammatory cytokines may indirectly upregulate glucocorticoids in the body by interfering with the functional capacity of the glucocorticoid receptor (Pace, Hu, & Miller, 2007; Raison & Miller, 2003), resulting in continued synthesis of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and sustained activation of the HPA-axis which has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression (Lopez-Duran et a”

Statistics recomputed

Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.

  • Not confirmedz = 2.33reported p < .01 · recomputed p = .020

    “z = 2.33, p < .01”

  • Consistentz = 4.53reported p < .01 · recomputed p < .001

    “z = 4.53, p < .01”

  • Consistentz = 4.18reported p < .01 · recomputed p < .001

    “(z = 4.18, p < .01”

  • Consistentz = 4.53reported p < .01 · recomputed p < .001

    “(z = 4.53, p < .01”

  • Consistentz = 0reported p > .2 · recomputed p = 1.000

    “z = .00, p > .20”

5 of 5

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Basal-analysis effect-size count changes from 28 to 36

    Minor

    The same results paragraph says the basal studies contributed 28 effect sizes but gives k = 36 for the pooled analysis, without explaining a change in the set analyzed.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 76 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Lopez-Duran, N. L., Kovacs, M., & George, C. J.
Affiliations
University of Pittsburgh (US)
Venue
Psychoneuroendocrinology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2009-10
Volume
34
Issue
9
Pages
1272-1283
ISSN
0306-4530 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2059646524
Cited by
425
References
76
Citations by year
2026: 16 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 21 · 2018: 23 · 2017: 33 · 2016: 33 · 2015: 30 · 2014: 30 · 2013: 35 · 2012: 27
FWCI
1.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Psychoneuroendocrinology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
  • National Institute of Mental Health (P01MH056193, MH 56193, T32MH018951, T32-MH18951)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
Keywords
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, childhood depression, children and adolescents, dexamethasone suppression test, basal cortisol, corticotropin-releasing factor, psychological stress response, HPA axis dysregulation, negative feedback, glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Age Factors, Child, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, Major Depressive Disorder, Dexamethasone, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System, Male, Pituitary-Adrenal System, Sex Factors, Stress, Psychological, Time Factors, Dysthymic Disorder

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-09-28.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-09-28.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review