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Higher cortisol awakening response in young adolescents with persistent anxiety problems
K Greaves-Lord1, R F Ferdinand, A J Oldehinkel
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam/ Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|July 26, 2007
Summary
Persistent anxiety problems in preadolescents are linked to higher morning cortisol levels and a greater cortisol awakening response. Current anxiety alone did not show this association, suggesting HPA-axis activity is specific to long-term anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neuroendocrinology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are common in childhood and adolescence.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a crucial role in the stress response.
- Previous research has shown mixed findings regarding HPA axis activity and anxiety in youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between current anxiety problems and basal cortisol levels in preadolescents.
- To determine if HPA-axis activity differs in individuals with no, current, or persistent anxiety problems.
- To explore the relationship between anxiety history and cortisol profiles in a large population sample.
Main Methods:
- Salivary cortisol levels were measured at three time points in 1,768 10- to 12-year-olds.
- Current anxiety was assessed using the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS).
- Parental reports (TPBQ) were used to identify anxiety problems at age 4.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between cortisol levels and current anxiety problems.
- Individuals with persistent anxiety problems exhibited higher morning cortisol levels.
- A higher cortisol awakening response was observed in children with persistent anxiety problems.
Conclusions:
- Persistent anxiety problems, not current ones, are associated with altered HPA-axis activity.
- Elevated HPA-axis activity may underlie persistent anxiety or be a consequence of chronic stress.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering the chronicity of anxiety when examining HPA-axis function in children.
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