Greaves-Lord K, Ferdinand R F, Oldehinkel A J, Sondeijker F E P L, Ormel J, Verhulst F C
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam/ Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2007 Aug;116(2):137-44. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.01001.x.
The aims of the present study were to test the association between current anxiety problems and basal cortisol levels in a large population sample of young preadolescents, and to test if HPA-axis activity differs between individuals with no, only current, or persistent anxiety problems.
Cortisol levels of 10- to 12-year olds (n = 1,768) from the general population were measured on three time points during the day. A self-report questionnaire (RCADS) was used to assess current anxiety, a parent-report questionnaire (TPBQ) to assess anxiety problems at age 4.
Associations between cortisol levels and current anxiety problems were not found. However, individuals with persistent anxiety problems had higher morning cortisol levels and a higher cortisol awakening response.
Apparently, only persistent, and not current, anxiety problems are associated with higher HPA-axis activity. Alterations in HPA-axis activity might underlie persistent anxiety problems, or result from the stress accompanied by persistent anxiety problems.
本研究旨在检验一大群青春期前儿童样本中当前焦虑问题与基础皮质醇水平之间的关联，并检验下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺（HPA）轴活性在无焦虑问题、仅有当前焦虑问题或存在持续性焦虑问题的个体之间是否存在差异。
对来自普通人群的10至12岁儿童（n = 1768）在一天中的三个时间点测量皮质醇水平。使用一份自我报告问卷（RCADS）评估当前焦虑状况，使用一份家长报告问卷（TPBQ）评估4岁时的焦虑问题。
未发现皮质醇水平与当前焦虑问题之间存在关联。然而，存在持续性焦虑问题的个体早晨皮质醇水平较高，且皮质醇觉醒反应较高。
显然，只有持续性焦虑问题，而非当前焦虑问题，与较高的HPA轴活性相关。HPA轴活性的改变可能是持续性焦虑问题的基础，或者是由持续性焦虑问题伴随的压力所致。
