Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
Published on: October 19, 2011
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal reactivity in prepubertal children with social phobia
Dirk van West1, Stephan Claes, José Sulon
1University Center of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Antwerp (UCKJA), ZNA Middelheim, University of Antwerp, Lindendreef 1, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium. dirk.vanwest@zna.be
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a different pattern of HPA axis activity is found between children with social phobia (SP) and healthy control children.
Methods:
A total of 50 prepubertal subjects (25 children with SP and 25 healthy control subjects) were studied. The effects of stress were studied by comparing cortisol responses to a psychosocial stressor, consisting of a public speaking task.
Results:
Children with SP showed an elevated cortisol response to the psychosocial stressor as compared with healthy controls. Trait but not state anxiety levels are associated with higher HPA axis activity.
Limitations:
Limited sample size.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that a higher cortisol responsivity to stress may be a neurobiological marker for prepubertal children with SP. Directions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Preparedness and Phobias
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Social Anxiety Disorder

