Folia medica
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Salivary alpha-amylase is a useful biomarker that can be used in assessing human psychobiological and social behavioural processes. Studying it opens up possibilities for the creation of novel concepts concerning the interaction of biological and social processes and their impact on health and behaviour. ⋯ The adapted version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score (STAI) created by Spielberger is appropriate for assessment of stress-related anxiety in young individuals. Salivary alpha-amylase may be used as a biomarker for objective evaluation of the psychosomatic state of individuals in a stressful environment. The combination of psychological test and objective indicator such as salivary alpha-amylase is an excellent tool for objective evaluation of individual's state in stressful environment. Similar tests may be used in assessment of patients' behaviours at dental treatment that may be considered a stressor in most patients.