The association of the cortisol awakening response with experimental pain ratings

Fabian, L.A.; McGuire, L.; Page, G.G.; Goodin, B.R.; Edwards, R.R.; Haythornthwaite, J.

doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.03.008

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Volume 34, Issue 8 , Pages 1247-1251, September 2009

The association of the cortisol awakening response with experimental pain ratings

L.A. Fabian
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
- Corresponding author at: Psychology Department, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA. Tel.: +1 410 455 8758; fax: +1 410 455 1055.
L. McGuire
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
G.G. Page
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
B.R. Goodin
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
R.R. Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard University School of Medicine, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
J. Haythornthwaite
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA

Received 23 December 2008; received in revised form 11 March 2009; accepted 11 March 2009.

Summary

Cortisol is a key stress hormone that is implicated in a variety of physiological responses. Attenuated Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) is associated with many negative health outcomes, but little research has investigated CAR and pain. The current study examines the association of CAR with experimental acute-pain ratings in healthy men and women. Attenuated CAR was related to greater pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings. Future research should examine this association across various pain populations.

Keywords: Cortisol awakening response, Cortisol diurnal rhythm, Acute pain, Area under the curve, Cold pressor task