Higher cortisol awakening response in young adolescents with persistent anxiety problems

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 ¼ 1768) 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.