Hair cortisol as psychotherapy process parameter – an inpatient pediatric psychosomatic study - Takeaways - MDSpire

Hair cortisol as psychotherapy process parameter – an inpatient pediatric psychosomatic study

  • By

  • Tim Botschek

  • Anna Röhlich

  • Burkhard Brosig

  • July 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The study assessed 58 pediatric patients undergoing inpatient psychosomatic therapy at seven time points to evaluate treatment efficacy.

  • 2

    Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was measured as a biological marker of long-term stress regulation alongside psychological assessments.

  • 3

    Significant improvements were observed in perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and family functioning during treatment, with stability at follow-ups.

  • 4

    HCC decreased significantly from admission to discharge and remained stable during three- and six-month follow-ups.

  • 5

    The findings support the integration of biological markers like HCC into psychotherapy research for a comprehensive understanding of treatment outcomes.

Original Source(s)

Hair cortisol as psychotherapy process parameter – an inpatient pediatric psychosomatic study

  • by Tim Botschek, Anna Röhlich, Burkhard Brosig

  • July 7, 2026

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