Mental Health Research

Researchers have developed a deep learning model that estimates chronic stress burden by measuring adrenal gland volume on standard CT scans, introducing what they describe as the first imaging-based biomarker for chronic stress. The metric, called the Adrenal Volume Index, is linked to cortisol exposure, perceived stress, overall physiological stress load and long-term cardiovascular risk, according to findings to be presented at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting.