Children
Serum Neuropeptide Y and Ghrelin in Female Adolescents Exposed to Childhood Sexual Abuse with and Without Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
By Yurteri N, Sarıgedik E, Kaya R and 1 others.
Abstract
Background
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a major risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but biological factors associated with differing clinical outcomes following CSA remain poorly understood. We compared serum neuropeptide Y (NPY) and ghrelin concentrations in female adolescents with CSA-related PTSD, CSA without PTSD, and healthy controls.
Methods
The study included 111 postmenarcheal female adolescents aged 12-18 years: 37 with CSA + PTSD, 37 with CSA without PTSD, and 37 healthy controls. PTSD and other psychiatric disorders were assessed using the K-SADS-PL-DSM-5-T. Fasting morning serum NPY and ghrelin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Group comparisons were performed, and exploratory ROC analyses assessed within-sample discrimination between CSA-exposed adolescents with and without PTSD.