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

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.