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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders

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01-06-2018 | Original Article

A meta-analytic review of the association between cortisol reactivity in response to a stressor and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Authors: Jaclyn M. Kamradt, Allison M. Momany, Molly A. Nikolas

Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

A substantial literature suggests that abnormal cortisol reactivity may be a vulnerability for deleterious mental health outcomes, including ADHD. ADHD has been linked with difficulty in emotion regulation and increased risk of experiencing stressors, both of which may be related to psychobiological abnormalities (e.g., abnormal cortisol reactivity). Research has been mixed regarding the association between cortisol reactivity and ADHD. Therefore, the present meta-analytic review (k = 12) sought to quantify this association and review the relevant methodological issues and theoretical implications of this area of research. Overall, no effect was found between cortisol reactivity and ADHD (r = 0), although significant heterogeneity in the analyses suggested that there might be moderators of this association, if one does exist. Results highlight the importance of addressing limitations of the current literature on cortisol reactivity and ADHD and exploring additional indices of emotion regulation that may be associated with ADHD. Implications for future research efforts are discussed.

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Title: A meta-analytic review of the association between cortisol reactivity in response to a stressor and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Jaclyn M. Kamradt
Allison M. Momany
Molly A. Nikolas
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1866-6116
Electronic ISSN: 1866-6647
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-017-0238-5

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A meta-analytic review of the association between cortisol reactivity in response to a stressor and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

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