Lorah Dorn, PhD
Dr. Dorn’s research expertise primarily focuses on behavioral endocrinology. In particular, she focuses on biological transitions (e.g., puberty) as a time of risk for vulnerable individuals and how this vulnerability may be related to the stress system. Her studies generally focus on how puberty and timing of puberty may be related to mental health (e.g., behavior problems, psychopathology) and/or physical health (bone density) outcomes. Stress and reproductive hormones along with their interactions with social, behavioral or environmental variables are used as predictors of these negative health outcomes.
Dorn’s past study while at CCHMC focused on early timing of puberty (e.g., premature adrenarche; PA) and psychopathology. PA children have high for age concentrations of adrenal androgens. She and her colleagues reported in a 2008 paper that compared with on-time adrenarche girls, those with PA were more likely to have more behavior problems and psychopathology. This study has import since puberty is thought to be earlier in girls. With that being the case, more vigilance may be warranted regarding behavioral and mental health issues.
Dorn’s current studies are focusing on two additional areas. First, in a study of 262 healthy pubertal-age girls, the impact of smoking and depression/anxiety are being examined as potential factors impacting both reproductive and bone health. Studies in lower animal and/or adult human models support the negative impact of smoking on bone. Additionally studies of adults support that those with depression (or more depressive symptoms) are more likely to have lower bone density or osteoporosis. This study is the first to report the similar negative association in adolescent girls. Such a finding is relevant since nearly 50% of bone is accrued during the pubertal years. The longitudinal study is in process but several important cross sectional papers are in press. The second study focuses on endocrine changes and treatment of conduct problems in children and adolescents. Salivary hormones and measures of puberty are examined across treatment in a clinical trial at the University of Pittsburgh. Data from a 3-year follow-up are being examined and additional visits up to five years follow a booster treatment. Manuscripts are in process.
