Alterations in morning cortisol associated with PTSD in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be a stressful experience, putting women at risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study investigated morning cortisol levels in newly diagnosed (i.e., within 6 months) breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Structured DSM-IV interviews determined current and past incidence of PTSD and major depressive disorder (MDD) in 71 women with Stage 0-3 breast cancer.

RESULTS

Significantly decreased plasma cortisol was found in women meeting current or lifetime criteria for PTSD or past diagnosis of MDD.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reinforce the importance for both psychological and physiological outcomes of a clinical evaluation of both current and past psychiatric status in newly diagnosed cancer patients.