Köbach A, et al. - Via analyzing a convenience sample of N =167 women, supported by the women’s affairs headquarters in Jijiga (capital of the Ethiopian Somali Region) and a local Ethiopian non-governmental organization Preliminary, researchers provided high-quality psychodiagnostic data on potential psychopathological consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM), with a focus on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), shutdown dissociation and other stress-related variables. They also collected hair samples to assess hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) as a neuroendocrinological measure. More severe psychopathological symptoms (particularly an increased vulnerability to PTSD) were noted in association with more extensive forms of FGM. Women who experienced FGM before their first year of age or had more severe forms of FGM showed higher hair cortisol levels indicating long-term neuroendocrinological consequences of FGM and trauma in general on the stress system.