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[This article belongs to Volume - 70, Issue - 3]
Published on : 2025-03-20 14:19:21
Article Code: AMJ-20-03-2025-12316
Title : Wearable Electrochemical Biosensor for Real-Time Cortisol Monitoring in Major Depressive Disorder: Correlation with Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dynamics
Author(s) : Dr. Sophie Martin, Dr. Hiroshi Yamamoto, Dr. Angela Wright
Abstract :
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in major depressive disorder (MDD) is typically
assessed via intermittent serum or salivary cortisol measurements. We developed a microneedle-based
electrochemical biosensor for continuous interstitial cortisol monitoring over 72-hour periods. In a cohort of 80 MDD
patients and 40 healthy controls, real-time cortisol profiling revealed ultradian rhythmic disruption and enhanced
stress-reactivity peaks predictive of treatment resistance to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Machine
learning classification of cortisol dynamics achieved 87% accuracy in distinguishing MDD subtypes. This ambulatory
monitoring platform enables objective, longitudinal assessment of HPA axis function and treatment response.