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- Title
The relation between cortisol and anxiety in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy people.
- Authors
Hendrix, J.; Polli, A.; Ickamns, K.; Creta, M.; Bakusic, J.; Ghosh, M.; Monteyne, D.; Velkeniers, B.; Nijs, J.; Godderis, L.
- Abstract
Introduction: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease with unknown pathophysiology. Previous studies found lower salivary cortisol in patients with ME/CFS, which is referred to as hypocortisolism and is moreover associated with anxiety disorders. Therefore, we examined the relation between cortisol and anxiety specifically in patients with ME/CFS. Methods: Saliva of 28 patients with ME/CFS and 26 healthy controls (HCs) was collected twice. Cortisol levels were determined via liquid chromatography -mass spectrometry. Anxiety was assessed via the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: Cortisol levels were not significantly different between patients with ME/CFS (mean = 0.907 ng/ml; 95% C.I. 0.595 to 1.1219) and HCs (mean = 1.379 ng/ml; 95% C.I. 0.998 to 1.759; F = 3,702; p = 0.060). Patients with ME/CFS (mean = 39.582; 95% C.I. 37.320 to 41.844) had higher BAI scores than HCs (mean = 27.988; 95% C.I. 25.641 to 30.335; F = 49,984; p < 0.001). A weak, but significant, correlation was found between cortisol levels and anxiety on day 1 (r = -0.343; p = 0.03) and day 2 (r = -0.363; p = 0.018) in the entire group. Discussion: This study did not identify hypocortisolism in patients with ME/CFS. However, the negative correlation between anxiety and cortisol levels combined with the higher BAI scores in patients is consistent with literature, in which anxiety disorders are associated to hypocortisolism. Process evaluation: The study design was not ideal to determine differences in cortisol levels as this was not the main focus of the project. Cortisol levels were determined only once each day whereas, in ideal situations, daily cortisol output is determined via multiple measures per day because of the diurnal fluctuations in cortisol levels.
- Subjects
NETHERLANDS; CONFERENCES &; conventions; ANXIETY; HYDROCORTISONE; CHRONIC fatigue syndrome
- Publication
Pain Practice, 2022, Vol 22, p27
- ISSN
1530-7085
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/papr.13128