Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 3457 - Stress reactivity, cortisol levels and experience sampling in adults with 22q11DS |
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| Contribution code | PS01-02 (P) |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Background 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disorder associated with anxiety and mood disorders, and increased risk for psychosis. Cortisol levels and stress reactivity reflect hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activity and are believed to be altered in subjects that often experience daily life stress, depression and psychotic symptoms. However, it is unknown whether patients with 22q11DS have an altered stress reactivity. Methods We included 27 adults with 22q11DS (age: 34.4 years, 66.7% female) and 24 healthy controls (HC) (age: 36.5 years, 68.6% female). The experience sampling method (ESM) was used and at every assessment a saliva cortisol sample was taken. Cortisol samples were averaged and compared between groups using an independent t-test and a multilevel regression model was used to analyse the ESM data. Results Cortisol was significantly lower in the 22q11DS group (t(57)=11.1, p<.001) compared to healthy controls. In addition event-related-stress reactivity scores were a negative predictor for average self-reported negative affect in both 22q11DS patients and healthy controls, respectively R²=0.130, F(2,1155)=87.62, p<.001 and R²=0.0578, F(2,1120)=35.4, p<.001 and significantly higher in 22q11DS compared to healthy controls (z=-2.430, p<.05). Conclusion These preliminary results indicate that people with 22q11DS may experience higher self-reported negative affect to small stressors in daily life, whilst showing lower mean cortisol levels than HC, possibly resulting from an over sensitization of the HPA-axis, which gives rise to hypocortisolism in posttraumatic stress disorder and psychotic major depression. This could imply a permanent long-term effect of stress and possibly be present in adults with 22q11DS too. |