Assessing Stress Responses

Katie McLaughlin, Ph.D. Margaret Sheridan, Ph.D.

Agenda
1. Basic Principles 2. Autonomic Nervous System
Heart rate and heart rate variability 2. Blood pressure 3. Impedance Cardiography
1.

3. HPA Axis
Saliva sample collection 2. Saliva labeling and storage
1.

1. Basic Principles

Stress Reactivity

We are interested in seeing how each childs physiology changes as a result of each of the study tasks
We are also interested in how quickly each childs physiology recovers from each of the study tasks

Baseline

TASK

Recovery

2. Autonomic Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System

Blood Pressure

Heart Rate & Variability

Impedance cardiography

Electrocardiograph
Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability (RSA)

Impedance Cardiography
A measure of cardiac efficiency Stroke volume = the volume of blood leaving the heart on each beat (~ 80-120 mL) Cardiac output = Stroke volume * heart rate Pre-ejection period: pure sympathetic nervous system response With blood pressure, can calculate total peripheral resistance (MAP / CO) * 80

Differentiating Stress Responses

Adaptive Responses Challenge (Physiologically tough) Appraisals: Resources exceed Demands ANS reactivity: Pre-ejection period Cardiac output Vasodilation (TPR) Maladaptive Responses Threat/Defeat (Physiologically weak) Appraisals: Demands exceed Resources ANS reactivity: Pre-ejection period Cardiac output Vasoconstriction (TPR)

Recovery: Quick

Recovery: Sluggish

Blood Pressure
Measures pressure with that circulating exerts on the arteries Systolic blood pressure (high)
Pressure when heart is contracting

Diastolic blood pressure (low)

Pressure when heart is calm

Recording Blood Pressure

The operator will control the acquisition and recording of blood pressure throughout the session Both the systolic and diastolic pressure must be recorded after each reading Systolic Diastolic

3. HPA Axis

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

 Cortisol DHEA Testosterone

Collecting Saliva

The child should drool into a saliva tube using the straws provided The tube must be filled to the line, with no bubbles You can pop the bubbles using the straw or by tapping the tube onto a table

Differentiating Stress Responses

Adaptive Responses Maladaptive Responses

Appraisals: Resources exceed Demands ANS reactivity: ventricle contractility Cardiac output Vasodilation (TPR)
Hormonal: cortisol DHEA Testosterone Recovery: Quick

Appraisals: Demands exceed Resources ANS reactivity: ventricle contractility Cardiac output Vasoconstriction (TPR)
Hormonal: cortisol DHEA Testosterone Recovery: Sluggish

Thank you!