Neuroendocrine dysregulations in sexually abused children and adolescents: a systematic review

Prog Brain Res. 2008:167:303-6. doi: 10.1016/S0079-6123(07)67028-9.

Abstract

Several studies provided evidence for neuroendocrine dysregulations in adults with a history of child sexual abuse. This review focuses on neuroendocrine studies in sexually abused children and adolescents, dating from January 1, 1990 to January 1, 2007 and obtained from a systematic Medline Indexed literature search to identify endocrine correlates of child sexual abuse. Results from studies on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (re)activity showed to be inconclusive. Studies on the sympathetic nervous system provided evidence for a higher baseline activity of this system in sexually abused children and adolescents. Factors contributing to divergent outcomes will be discussed and suggestions for future research will be presented.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiopathology*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone