Background: Arterial stiffness, salivary alpha-amylase activity and cortisol concentration have been associated with stress response in different experimental models. However, the values and dynamics of those potential biomarkers of stress have not been examined in patients with acute stress disorder (ASD).
Methods: This study included 88 patients (61 females; mean age 42.53) with ASD and 65 healthy subjects (43 females; mean age 41.66). Patients, evaluated according to the DSM-5 criteria, have filled out the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and their arterial stiffness (expressed as pulse wave velocity and augmentation index), salivary alpha-amylase activity and cortisol concentration were assessed at baseline and after 4-weeks of follow-up. Healthy control subjects had their arterial stiffness, salivary alpha-amylase activity and cortisol concentration measured only at baseline.
Results: At baseline, participants with ASD had higher salivary cortisol concentration and alpha-amylase activity, higher BMI, were more often smokers and exhibited lower education levels than healthy controls. Both groups did not differ in arterial stiffness. After 4 weeks, ASD patients had similar symptom severity, arterial stiffness, saliva cortisol concentration and alpha-amylase activity compared to their baseline values.
Conclusion: Single unpredictable and highly stressful event may not only induce ASD, but is also associated with the persistence of psychopathology and increased salivary biomarkers of stress. Patients with ASD may require increased medical attention to prevent both psychiatric and somatic consequences of stress.
Keywords: Acute stress disorder; Alpha-amylase; Arterial stiffness; Augmentation index; Cortisol; Follow-up period; Pulse wave velocity; Saliva samples.
Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.
