Modelling a loss event: effect of imagined bereavement on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Background. Loss events are the stressors most closely associated with the onset of depressive illnesses. The acute cortisol response to loss has been little studied although it could be an important mediator of the effects o f environmental stress on psychological state. Methods. The salivary cortisol response to an established negative mood ind uction procedure involving music and an imagined bereavement was measured i n 30 healthy volunteers. Results. Considerable but transient mood lowering in response to the negati ve mood induction was associated with a small increase in cortisol output o ver 30 min. Conclusions. This procedure has some potential as a tool to investigate ind ividual differences in the neuroendocrine response to loss events, but this is limited. There remains a need for laboratory models of relevant psychos ocial stressors in mood disorders research.