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Hair cortisol and self-perceived stress in adolescents with functional somatic disorders – a comparison with general population data

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2022

R. Nyengaard*
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Research Unit, Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus N, Denmark Aarhus University, Department Of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus C, Denmark
K. Kallesøe
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Research Unit, Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus N, Denmark
M. Rimvall
Affiliation:
Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Child And Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Hellerup, Denmark Psychiatry Region Zealand, Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark
E. Ørnbøl
Affiliation:
Aarhus University Hospital, Research Clinic For Functional Disorders And Psychosomatics, Aarhus N, Denmark
E.M. Olsen
Affiliation:
Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospital, Centre For Clinical Research And Prevention, Copenhagen N V, Denmark Psychiatric Center Ballerup, Outpatient Clinic For Eating Disorders In Adults, Ballerup, Denmark
V. Wyller
Affiliation:
Akershus University Hospital, Department Of Pediatric And Adolescent Medicine, Nordbyhagen, Norway University of Oslo, Institute Of Clinical Medicine, Oslo, Norway
C. Rask
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Research Unit, Department Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus N, Denmark Aarhus University, Department Of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus C, Denmark
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Functional somatic disorders (FSDs) are characterized by persistent and disabling physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to well-defined somatic disorders. In adolescents, the prevalence is around 4-10%. Evidence from adult populations suggests that cortisol plays a role in the development and perpetuation of FSDs, but little is known regarding adolescents. As cortisol accumulates in hair over time, hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a promising new biomarker for long-term physiological stress. Moreover, adult studies have found associations between HCC levels and self-perceived stress.

Objectives

To compare HCC levels between adolescents with severe FSDs and adolescents from the general population. Furthermore, to investigate the association between HCC and self-perceived stress.

Methods

The data are retrieved from two projects: the AHEAD trial, including 91 15-19-year-old adolescents diagnosed with a severe FSD, and the Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000 (CCC2000), including data on 1455 16-17-year-old adolescents. Hair samples were collected for HCC analysis, and web-based questionnaires were used to asses self-perceived stress. Functional somatic symptoms were assessed with the Bodily Distress Syndrome (BDS) checklist.

Results

The data have been collected and will be analysed and presented at the congress.

Conclusions

This study can contribute with knowledge about the potential role of cortisol in FSDs in adolescents, and whether self-perceived stress can be used as a marker for physiological stress measured by HCC. Treatments for adolescents with FSDs still need to be improved. The current study may help to understand whether future treatment strategies should include a greater focus on stress management.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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