Psychobiological Influences for Stress Load in Young Girls with Chronic Headache

Abstract

Chronic headache in adolescents is frequent, and stress may play an important role. The empirical literature suggests that stress load of headache sufferers is increased but stress coping is limited. The present study investigated in a controlled design differences between girls with chronic headache and controls in stress load and stress coping. Additionally psychopathological characteristics such as anxiety and depression were measured and a biological indicator for chronic stress (the cortisol awakening response) was obtained 148 girls were investigated. Stress load and stress coping was measured by validated German questionnaires. Saliva samples were collected at home after awakening. Girls with headache had a higher stress load and higher stress vulnerability, but significant deficits in stress coping. The cortisol awakening response was increased specifically for girls with headache. Physiological as well as psychological stress load could be significantly predicted by multiple linear regressions. Significant predictors were inadequate stress coping, anxiety and depression, but not hyperactivity of HPA axis. The results were integrated into the available literature and further discussed within a psychobiological model of chronic headache in adolescents.