Using hair samples to link stress, brain structure and depression

Data from some Generation Scotland volunteers allowed this important research, which could be useful to measure long term stress, depression and help create better treatments for these disorders.

Research Summary

High levels of (inactive or active) stress hormones found in hair, have been linked to Major Depressive Disorder and early-life stress. This study shows that hair samples can be used to measure long term levels of stress hormones, known as glucocorticoids. 

A group of Generation Scotland volunteers provided hair samples, undertook brain scans and completed questionnaires about their health and wellbeing.

This study explores the relationships between stress-hormone levels, brain structure and environmental factors of early and current-life stress in volunteers with Major Depressive Disorder. Researchers found that increased levels of stress hormones were linked to depression, smaller brain volumes and early-life stress. However, this pattern was not found in people who had stress in their current-life. This research provides an insight into what environmental factors may cause Major Depressive Disorder, how stress impacts brain structure, and the potential of using using hair samples to measure these hormones.

Research Visual

Using hair samples to link stress, brain structure and depression
Recent research has shown that hair samples can be used to measure long term levels of stress hormones. High levels of (inactive or active) stress hormones found in hair, have been linked to depression and early-life stress.
Current methods for researching stress levels are short term, using saliva, blood or urine samples. Hair samples could be more useful for measuring long term stress, depression and helping create better treatments for these disorders.

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