Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal reactivity in prepubertal children with social phobia.

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.