Hair cortisol as psychotherapy process parameter – an inpatient pediatric psychosomatic study
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By
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Tim Botschek
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Anna Röhlich
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Burkhard Brosig
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July 7, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Cortisol Levels in Hair as a Measure of Psychotherapy Progress: A Study on Inpatient Pediatric Psychosomatic Treatment
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Pediatric Psychosomatic Disorders |
| Key Mechanisms | Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a biomarker for long-term stress regulation |
| Target Population | Children and adolescents undergoing inpatient psychosomatic therapy |
| Care Setting | Inpatient pediatric psychosomatic treatment |
Key Highlights
- Significant improvements in perceived stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms during treatment
- HCC decreased from admission to discharge and remained stable at follow-ups
- Study includes longitudinal assessments with follow-ups at three and six months
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize validated questionnaires to assess psychological outcomes
Management
- Implement interdisciplinary, multidimensional therapy for pediatric psychosomatic disorders
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly measure HCC as a biological marker of stress regulation
Risks
- Transient increases in depressive symptoms and family problems noted during follow-ups
Patient & Prescribing Data
Inpatient children and adolescents with psychosomatic disorders
Integration of biological markers like HCC into psychotherapy research is valuable
Clinical Best Practices
- Adopt a multimodal treatment approach that includes psychotherapeutic, somatic, and family-related dimensions
- Conduct follow-up assessments to distinguish sustained improvements from temporary relief
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