Increased risk of acute myocardial infarction for patients with panic disorder: a nationwide population-based study

Does panic disorder increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetics?: A nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested a link between panic disorder (PD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the extent to which PD confers risk for CVD is still unclear, particularly in diabetics, a group showing high risk for CVD.

METHODS

A nationwide population-based cohort of 1,624,718 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected from the National Health Screening Program database covering the years 2009 to 2012. The subjects were divided into two groups: those without panic disorder (non-PD group, n = 1,618,263) and those with newly diagnosed PD (PD-group, n = 6455). Follow-up of subjects for up to 10 years was conducted for evaluation of the incidences of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and death.

RESULTS

After adjusting for the baseline covariates and diabetes mellitus (DM)-related variables, no difference in the future risk of MI and stroke was observed between the non-PD group and the PD group. Compared with the non-PD group, the PD group showed an increase in the future risk of death. [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.120, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.039-1.206]. In contrast to the population aged <40 and > 65 years, in the age group of 40-64 years a significantly higher risk of stroke was observed in the PD group compared with the non-PD group (aHR = 1.352, 95%CI: 1.136-1.610).

LIMITATION

The diagnoses were based on the diagnostic codes of the claim data.

CONCLUSION

The current findings suggested that PD might not contribute to the risk of future MI and stroke in diabetics who have already been at risk of various cardiovascular complications.

Psychotic-like experiences are associated with physical disorders in general population: A cross-sectional study from the NESARC II

BACKGROUND

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) constitute subthreshold symptoms of psychotic disorders, and belong to five distinct dimensions: Positive, Negative, Depressive, Mania and Disorganization. PLEs are associated with various psychiatric disorders. However, few studies examined their association with physical disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Our aims were (1) to assess the associations between various physical disorders and PLEs in a U.S. representative sample, and (2) to examine these associations according to the five dimensions of PLEs.

METHOD

We used data from the wave II (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC-II), a large national sample representative of the US population (N = 34,653). Participants were assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule 4. Twenty-two PLEs were examined. Lifetime prevalence and adjusted Odds-Ratio (aOR) reflecting the association of sixteen physical disorders (including notably metabolic conditions and heart diseases) with PLEs were calculated.

RESULTS

All studied physical disorders were associated with the presence of PLEs. Particularly the presence of any physical condition, any heart disease and diabetes were more frequent in participants with at least one PLE compared with the group without any PLE (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.62-1.87, aOR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.33-1.55 and aOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.24-1.54, respectively). Almost all physical disorders were associated with the five dimensions of PLEs.

CONCLUSIONS

PLEs were associated with a large range of physical disorders, with a gradual dose effect. To assess PLEs in the general population could help with the screening of subjects with physical disorders.

Association of anxiety with cardiovascular disease in a Chinese cohort of 0.5 million adults

BACKGROUND

Anxiety might be a potentially modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Evidence relating anxiety symptoms and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to CVDs from prospective cohort study was still lacking in China.

METHODS

Participants aged 30 to 79 years old from 10 areas across China were recruited during 2004-2008 and were followed up until 2017. 487,209 participants without CVDs at baseline remained for analyses. Anxiety symptoms (panic attacks and continuous anxiety) during the past 12 months were identified in a face-to-face interview. Participants with continuous anxiety were further assessed for GAD using Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. The primary outcomes were incident CVD, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), haemorrhagic stroke (HS), and ischaemic stroke (IS).

RESULTS

During 4.7 million person-years of follow-up, we documented 140,365 incident cases of CVD. For panic attacks, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95 % CI) were 1.08 (1.04-1.13), 1.10 (1.02-1.19), 1.20 (1.05-1.38) and 1.20 (1.11-1.30) for CVD, IHD, HS and IS, respectively. Continuous anxiety was positively associated with incident CVD and IHD, and the corresponding HRs were 1.12 (1.04-1.20) and 1.21 (1.07-1.37).

LIMITATIONS

Anxiety symptoms were examined according to self-reported questionnaires, which could constitute key study limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the Chinese adults, those with anxiety symptoms or GAD might be important at-risk population of CVD.

Is panic disorder a disorder of physical fitness? A heuristic proposal

Currently, panic disorder (PD) is considered a mental disorder based on the assumptions that panic attacks (PAs) are “false alarms” that arise from abnormally sensitive defense systems in the central nervous system and that PD is treated with therapies specifically acting on anxiety or fear mechanisms. This article aims to propose an alternative perspective based on the results of some experimental studies. Our heuristic proposal suggests not only that PD may be a mental disorder but also that patients with PD have real abnormal body functioning, mainly involving cardiorespiratory and balance systems, leading to a decline in global physical fitness. PAs, as well as physical symptoms or discomfort in some environmental situations, may be “real alarms” signaling that the adaptability resources of an organism are insufficient to respond appropriately to some internal or external changes, thus representing the transient conscious awareness of an imbalance in body functioning. The antipanic properties of several modern treatments for PD may include their beneficial effects on body functions. Although anxiety or fear mechanisms are evidently involved in PD, we hypothesize that a reduction of physical fitness is the “primum movens” of PD, while anxiety or fear is induced and sustained by repeated signals of impaired body functioning. We propose considering panic in a broader perspective that offers a central role to the body and to contemplate the possible role of somatic treatments in PD.

Bidirectional association between Bell's palsy and anxiety disorders: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Bell's palsy and anxiety disorders share numerous risk factors (e.g., immune response, ischemia, and psychological stress). However, there have been no studies on the bidirectional temporal association between the two illnesses. In this study, we used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to test the bidirectional association between Bell's palsy and anxiety disorders. We hypothesized that patients with Bell's palsy would have an increased risk of subsequent anxiety disorders later in life and that, conversely, those with anxiety disorders would have an increased likelihood of developing Bell's palsy later in life.

METHODS

We conducted two retrospective cohort studies using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Study 1 included 8070 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders and 32,280 controls without anxiety disorders who were matched with sex, age, and enrollment date to analyze the following risk of Bell's palsy among both groups. Study 2 included 4980 patients with Bell's palsy and 19,920 controls without Bell's palsy who were matched with sex, age, and enrollment date to analyze the following risk of anxiety disorders among both groups. The patient records selected for the studies were dated between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2004. All subjects were observed until their outcomes of interest, death or December 31, 2009.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, urbanization, and income, the hazard ratio (HR) for patients with anxiety disorders to contract Bell's palsy was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.21-1.94, P<.001), and the HR for patients with Bell's palsy to develop an anxiety disorder was 1.59 (95% CI, 1.23-2.06, P<.001).

CONCLUSION

This study found a bidirectional temporal association between Bell's palsy and anxiety disorders. After one of these conditions develops, the morbidity rate for the other significantly increases. Additional studies are required to determine whether these two conditions share the same pathogenic mechanisms, and whether successfully treating one will reduce the morbidity rate for the other.

Meta-Analysis of Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease

Whether anxiety is a risk factor for a range of cardiovascular diseases is unclear. We aimed to determine the association between anxiety and a range of cardiovascular diseases. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for cohort studies that included participants with and without anxiety, including subjects with anxiety, worry, posttraumatic stress disorder, phobic anxiety, and panic disorder. We examined the association of anxiety with cardiovascular mortality, major cardiovascular events (defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure), stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. We identified 46 cohort studies containing 2,017,276 participants and 222,253 subjects with anxiety. Anxiety was associated with a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality (relative risk [RR] 1.41, CI 1.13 to 1.76), coronary heart disease (RR 1.41, CI 1.23 to 1.61), stroke (RR 1.71, CI 1.18 to 2.50), and heart failure (RR 1.35, CI 1.11 to 1.64). Anxiety was not significantly associated with major cardiovascular events or atrial fibrillation although CIs were wide. Phobic anxiety was associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease than other anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder was associated with a higher risk of stroke. Results were broadly consistent in sensitivity analyses. Anxiety disorders are associated with an elevated risk of a range of different cardiovascular events, including stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and cardiovascular death. Whether these associations are causal is unclear.

Is there cardiac risk in panic disorder? An updated systematic review

BACKGROUND

The recognized relationship between panic disorder (PD) and cardiac disorders (CDs) is not unequivocal. We reviewed the association between PD and coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and sudden cardiac death.

METHODS

We undertook an updated systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies dating from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014, were identified using the PubMed database and a review of bibliographies. The psychiatric and cardiac diagnostic methodology used in each study was then to very selective inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Of 3044 studies, 14 on CAD, 2 on cardiomyopathies, and 1 on arrhythmias were included. Overall, the studies supported a panic-CAD association. Furthermore, in some of the studies finding no association between current full-blown PD and CAD, a broader susceptibility to panic, manifesting as past PD, current agoraphobia, or subthreshold panic symptoms, appeared to be relevant to the development of CAD. Preliminary data indicated associations between panic, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies.

LIMITATIONS

The studies were largely cross-sectional and conducted in cardiological settings. Only a few included blind settings. The clinical conditions of patients with CDs and the qualifications of raters of psychiatric diagnoses were highly heterogeneous. CDs other than CAD had been insufficiently investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review supported a relationship between PD and CDs. Given the available findings and the involvement of the cardiorespiratory system in the pathophysiology of PD, an in-depth investigation into the panic-CDs association is highly recommended. This should contribute to improved treatment and prevention of cardiac events and/or mortality, linked to PD.

Anxiety and new onset of cardiovascular disease: critical review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anxiety has been associated with new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the quality of this relationship is unclear. Only if anxiety is a causal, independent cardiovascular risk factor might it be a target for CVD prevention.

AIMS

To determine and examine the independent association and causality between anxiety and incident CVD.

METHOD

PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched up to October 2013. A review of Hill's criteria for causality and random effects meta-analysis were conducted of prospective, population-based studies examining anxiety and incident CVD in people free from CVD at baseline.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis comprised 37 papers (n = 1 565 699). The follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 years. Anxiety was associated with a 52% increased incidence of CVD (hazard ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.36-1.71). The risk seemed independent of traditional risk factors and depression. The evaluation of Hill's criteria largely argued in favour of causality.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety may be of interest for CVD prevention. Future research should examine biological and behavioural underpinnings of the association in order to identify targets for intervention.

Serum biomarkers predictive of depressive episodes in panic disorder

Panic disorder with or without comorbid agoraphobia (PD/PDA) has been linked to an increased risk to develop subsequent depressive episodes, yet the underlying pathophysiology of these disorders remains poorly understood. We aimed to identify a biomarker panel predictive for the development of a depressive disorder (major depressive disorder and/or dysthymia) within a 2-year-follow-up period. Blood serum concentrations of 165 analytes were evaluated in 120 PD/PDA patients without depressive disorder baseline diagnosis (6-month-recency) in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). We assessed the predictive performance of serum biomarkers, clinical, and self-report variables using receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). False-discovery-rate corrected logistic regression model selection of serum analytes and covariates identified an optimal predictive panel comprised of tetranectin and creatine kinase MB along with patient gender and scores from the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) rating scale. Combined, an AUC of 0.87 was reached for identifying the PD/PDA patients who developed a depressive disorder within 2 years (n = 44). The addition of biomarkers represented a significant (p = 0.010) improvement over using gender and IDS alone as predictors (AUC = 0.78). For the first time, we report on a combination of biological serum markers, clinical variables and self-report inventories that can detect PD/PDA patients at increased risk of developing subsequent depressive disorders with good predictive performance in a naturalistic cohort design. After an independent validation our proposed biomarkers could prove useful in the detection of at-risk PD/PDA patients, allowing for early therapeutic interventions and improving clinical outcome.

Temperament and Character Profiles and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients With Coronary Artery or Valvular Heart Disease: Relationship With Cardiac Disease Severity

Background

We aimed to investigate whether the psychopathological symptoms and temperament-character dimensions observed in patients operated due to coronary artery disease (CAD) or valvular heart disease (VHD) differ among the patients and from healthy individuals.

Methods

Study population was composed of subjects with CAD, VHD and healthy controls (n = 50 in each group). Socio-demographic questionnaire, temperament and character inventory (TCI) and symptom check list-90-R (SCL-90-R) were applied to all groups. Groups were compared about temperament-character dimensions and scores of subscales of SCL-90-R.

Results

Harm avoidance was found to be higher in VHD group than those with CAD and, lower in healthy controls than both patient groups (P = 0.004). Reward dependence was similar among both patient groups and, was higher than healthy group (P = 0.015). Depression, anxiety, somatization, obsession and interpersonal sensitivity were found to be similar in both patient groups but they were higher than those in controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively). Phobia was seen equally in CAD group and healthy controls and, was found to be lower in these than in VHD (P = 0.009). Anger score was in descending order in patients with VHD, CAD and healthy controls group (P = 0.010 and 0.001). Paranoia was in descending order in patients with VHD, CAD and controls (P = 0.015 and 0.001). A weak and inverse correlation was found between ejection fraction (EF) and the persistence dimension of temperament scaled by TCI in patients with VHD (r = -0.276, P = 0.052). An inverse correlation was observed between EF and the reward dependence dimension in CAD group (r = -0.195, P = 0.044). In patients with VHD, EF demonstrated an inversely weak (r = -0.289, P = 0.042), moderate (r = -0.360, P = 0.010) and strong (r = -0.649, P < 0.001) correlation with inter-personal sensitivity, phobia and paranoia, respectively. There was an inverse and weak correlation between EF and depression and anger in VHD group (r = -0.302, P = 0.033 and r = -0.240, P = 0.054).

Conclusion

VHD and CAD exhibit different psychopathological symptoms and temperament traits. There is a correlation between the aforementioned psychopathological symptoms and temperament traits, and EF.

Cardiovascular Health in Anxiety or Mood Problems Study (CHAMPS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Previous psychological and pharmacological interventions have primarily focused on depression disorders in populations with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the efficacy of anxiety disorder interventions is only more recently being explored. Transdiagnostic interventions address common emotional processes and the full range of anxiety and depression disorders often observed in populations with CVDs. The aim of CHAMPS is to evaluate the feasibility of a unified protocol (UP) for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders intervention in patients recently hospitalized for CVDs. The current study reports the protocol of a feasibility randomized controlled trial to inform a future trial.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a feasibility randomized, controlled trial with a single-center design. A total of 50 participants will be block-randomized to either a UP intervention or enhanced usual care. Both groups will receive standard CVD care. The UP intervention consists of 1) enhancing motivation, readiness for change, and treatment engagement; (2) psychoeducation about emotions; (3) increasing present focused emotion awareness; (4) increasing cognitive flexibility; (5) identifying and preventing patterns of emotion avoidance and maladaptive emotion-driven behaviors (EDBs, including tobacco smoking, and alcohol use); (6) increasing tolerance of emotion-related physical sensations; (7) interoceptive and situation-based emotion-focused exposure; and (8) relapse prevention strategies. Treatment duration is 12 to 18 weeks. Relevant outcomes include the standard deviation of self-rated anxiety, depression and quality of life symptoms. Other outcomes include intervention acceptability, satisfaction with care, rates of EDBs, patient adherence, physical activity, cardiac and psychiatric readmissions. Parallel to the main trial, a nonrandomized comparator cohort will be recruited comprising 150 persons scoring below the predetermined depression and anxiety severity thresholds.

DISCUSSION

CHAMPS is designed to evaluate the UP for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders targeting emotional disorder processes in a CVD population. The design will provide preliminary evidence of feasibility, attrition, and satisfaction with treatment to design a definitive trial. If the trial is feasible, it opens up the possibility for interventions to target broader emotional processes in the precarious population with CVD and emotional distress.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12615000555550 , registered on 29/05/2015.

Anxiety as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The narrative review covers recent studies of anxiety as a companion in cardiovascular disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Prospective population-based studies and studies of cases with known cardiovascular disease have been conducted, as well as studies of intervention with coronary bypass grafting, heart transplants, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and subsequent rehabilitation programs. Mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) stands for this emerging research arena.

SUMMARY

Anxiety has emerged as perhaps the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, determining other known risk factors, such as depression, substance use, overweight, and a sedentary lifestyle. Anxiety also increases the risk of major cardiac events in coronary heart disease. There is a need for elucidating the influence of anxiety in takotsubo and in white-coat hypertension. Managing anxiety is of vital importance in patients who have received heart transplants, to ascertain adherence to immunosuppressants.

Anxiety disorders and physical comorbidity: increased prevalence but reduced relevance of specific risk factors for hospital-based mortality during a 12.5-year observation period in general hospital admissions

Anxiety disorders (AD) are associated with an increase in physical comorbidities, but the effects of these diseases on hospital-based mortality are unclear. Consequently, we investigated whether the burden of physical comorbidity and its relevance on hospital-based mortality differed between individuals with and without AD during a 12.5-year observation period in general hospital admissions. During 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2012, 11,481 AD individuals were admitted to seven General Manchester Hospitals. All comorbidities with a prevalence ≥ 1 % were compared with those of 114,810 randomly selected and group-matched hospital controls of the same age and gender, regardless of priority of diagnoses or specialized treatments. Comorbidities that increased the risk of hospital-based mortality (but not mortality outside of the hospital) were identified using multivariate logistic regression analyses. AD individuals compared to controls had a substantial excess comorbidity, but a reduced hospital-based mortality rate. Twenty-two physical comorbidities were increased in AD individuals compared with controls, which included cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors. The most frequent physical comorbidities in AD individuals were hypertension, asthma, cataract, and ischaemic heart disease. Risk factors for hospital-based mortality in AD individuals were lung cancer, alcoholic liver disease, respiratory failure, heart failure, pneumonia, bronchitis, non-specific dementia, breast cancer, COPD, gallbladder calculus, atrial fibrillation, and angina. The impact of atrial fibrillation, angina, and gallbladder calculus on hospital-based mortality was higher in AD individuals than in controls. In contrast, other mortality risk factors had an equal or lower impact on hospital-based mortality in sample comparisons. Therefore AD individuals have a higher burden of physical comorbidity that is associated with a reduced risk of general hospital-based mortality. Atrial fibrillation, angina, and gallbladder calculus are major risk factors for general hospital-based mortality in AD individuals.

Depression and anxiety disorders and the link to physician diagnosed cardiac disease and metabolic risk factors

OBJECTIVE

There has been increasing interest in the relationship between cardiac and metabolic conditions with mental illness. Many studies have found associations between these conditions and depression but results with anxiety disorders have been mixed. We explore these relationships in a nationally representative survey using physician diagnoses of physical conditions and DSM-IV psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

Data came from the nationally representative German Health Survey (N=4181, age 18-65). Physician diagnoses of angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obesity were examined in relation to depression and anxiety disorders, which were assessed through a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between these conditions.

RESULTS

After adjusting for sociodemographics, psychiatric comorbidity, and substance use, having an anxiety disorder was associated with increased odds of cardiac conditions and metabolic risk factors with odds ratios ranging from 1.3 to 3.3. Depression was not associated with any of the conditions but was associated with poor medical compliance for health conditions on two outcomes measured. Anxiety was also associated with reduced medical compliance for one health behaviour measured.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety disorders, but not depression, were associated with metabolic and cardiac conditions in our sample. Both conditions were related to some aspects of poor self-care for health conditions and therefore may be linked to negative outcomes.

The synergistic effects of anxiety and cerebral hypoperfusion on cognitive dysfunction in older adults with cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVES

Anxiety is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is associated with neurocognitive outcomes. The effect of anxiety on brain perfusion in a CVD population has yet to be examined, and no study has investigated the interactive effects of anxiety and cerebral perfusion on cognition.

METHODS

A total of 55 older adults with CVD completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and underwent arterial spin labeling to quantify cortical perfusion and thickness. Participants were administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status.

RESULTS

Reduced perfusion predicted poorer cognition and decreased cortical thickness. Higher anxiety score predicted worse memory performance and decreased frontal perfusion. Frontal lobe hypoperfusion combined with increased BAI scores exacerbated poorer MMSE performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher anxiety may exacerbate the effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on cognitive impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings and determine whether anxiety treatment improves neurocognitive outcomes in CVD.

Depression, anxiety and 6-year risk of cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE

Depression and anxiety are considered etiological factors in cardiovascular disease (CVD), though their relative contribution and differentiation by clinical characteristics have not been studied intensively. We examined 6-year associations between depressive and anxiety disorders, clinical characteristics and newly-developed CVD.

METHODS

DSM-IV diagnoses were established in 2510 CVD-free participants of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Data on subtype, severity, and psychoactive medication were collected. The 6-year incidence of CVD was assessed using Cox regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic, health and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

One-hundred-six subjects (4.2%) developed CVD. Having both current depressive and anxiety disorders (HR=2.86, 95%CI 1.49-5.49) or current depression only (HR=2.30; 95%CI 1.10-4.80) was significantly associated with increased CVD incidence, whereas current anxiety only (HR=1.48; 95%CI 0.74-2.96) and remitted disorders (HR=1.48; 95%CI 0.80-2.75) were not associated. Symptom severity was associated with increased CVD onset (e.g., Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology per SD increase: HR=1.51; 95%CI 1.25-1.83). Benzodiazepine use was associated with additional CVD risk (HR=1.95; 95%CI 1.16-3.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Current depressive (but not anxiety) disorder independently contributed to CVD in our sample of initially CVD-free participants. CVD incidence over 6years of follow-up was particularly increased in subjects with more symptoms, and in those using benzodiazepines.

The anxious heart in whose mind? A systematic review and meta-regression of factors associated with anxiety disorder diagnosis, treatment and morbidity risk in coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To (1) report the prognostic association between anxiety disorder subtypes and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), (2) report anxiety disorder prevalence in coronary heart disease (CHD), and (3) report the efficacy of anxiety disorder treatments in CHD.

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic database search was performed in November 2013 for studies reporting anxiety disorder prevalence according to structured interview in CHD samples or MACE, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anxiety disorder treatment with placebo or usual care. From 4041 articles 42 samples were selected for extraction (8 for MACE prognosis, 39 for prevalence, no RCTs were eligible).

RESULTS

Five generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) studies reported 883 MACE events (combined n=2851). There was a non-significant association between GAD and MACE (risk ratio=1.20, 95% CI .86-1.68, P=.28) however the effect size was highly significant in outpatient samples (adjusted hazard ratio=1.94, 95% CI 1.45-2.60, P<.001). No other anxiety disorder subtype was associated with MACE. Prevalence data showed high comorbidity with depression (49.06%; 95% CI 34.28-64.01) and substantial heterogeneity between studies. Panic disorder prevalence was higher in psychiatrist/psychologist raters (9.92% vs. 4.74%) as was GAD (18.45% vs. 13.01%). Panic and GAD estimates were also heterogeneous according to DSM-III-R versus DSM-IV taxonomies.

CONCLUSIONS

The paucity of extant anxiety disorder RCTs, alongside MACE risk for GAD outpatients, should stimulate further anxiety disorder intervention in CHD populations. Research should focus on depression and anxiety, thereby unraveling disorder specific and more generic pathways.

Anxiety disorders and onset of cardiovascular disease: the differential impact of panic, phobias and worry

Anxiety has been linked to onset of cardiovascular disease. This study examines the differential impact of types of anxiety (panic, phobia and worry) on 3-year onset of non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD). By investigating anxiety disorders as opposed to anxiety symptoms and by using a reliable diagnostic instrument to assess anxiety, limitations of previous studies are considered. 5149 persons at risk for CVD were interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The panic-type included panic disorder and panic attacks; the phobic-type included agoraphobia and social phobia, and the worry-type included generalized anxiety disorder. CVD was self-reported and required treatment or monitoring by a doctor. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographics, behavioral variables, and comorbid somatic and psychiatric disorders. During follow-up, 62 persons (1.2%) developed CVD. Baseline generalized anxiety disorder was strongly associated with onset of CVD (adjusted OR: 3.39). Further research should replicate findings and focus on biological underpinnings of this association.

Decreased cardiac vagal control in drug-naive patients with panic disorder: a case-control study in Taiwan

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac autonomic dysregulation has been proposed in panic disorder (PD), but the results are mixed. Analyses with larger sample sizes and better methodology are needed.

METHODS

Forty-eight drug-naïve individuals with PD and 202 healthy volunteers were recruited for a case-control analysis. We used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety severity. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Frequency-domain indices of HRV were obtained. The obtained results were evaluated in association with personality traits assessed by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients exhibited reduced mean RR interval (816.94 ± 135.92 versus 873.47 ± 143.36 ms, P = 0.014) and HRV levels (Var 6.37 ± 1.32 versus 7.38 ± 0.95, LF 4.90 ± 1.63 versus5.82 ± 1.11 and HF 4.57 ± 1.53 versus 5.62 ± 1.24 [ln(ms2)], all P < 0.001) as compared to controls, which mainly suggested a reduction in cardiac vagal control in PD. The anxiety severity was negatively correlated with HRV levels (r = -0.29 for Var, r = -0.22 for LF and r = -0.28 for HF, all P < 0.001). The harm avoidance score (which has been suggested to be associated with serotonergic activity) was associated with decreased HRV levels (r = -0.22 for Var, P < 0.01, r = -0.14 for LF, P < 0.05 and r = -0.17 for HF, P < 0.01).

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrates that PD is associated with cardiac autonomic dysregulation, highlighting the importance of assessing HRV in PD patients.

[Anxiety disorders]

With a lifetime prevalence of approximately 17% anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders worldwide. The disease progression can take a chronic course leading to a considerable impairment of the affected person. The current medical classification list (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization differentiates between agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobia, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The etiology is multicausal comprising an interaction of genetic and psychosocial factors. For treatment, psychotherapy, psychopharmacological treatment and a combination of both methods are eligible. Anxiety disorders are often associated with physical illness either as the causative factor or the consequence. In particular, anxiety has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Anxiety disorders associated with somatic diseases are often unrecognized, therefore an optimization of diagnostic and treatment strategies is necessary.

Hip fracture and risk of acute myocardial infarction: a nationwide study

Osteoporotic fractures are associated with increased mortality risk. However, little data are available on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after hip fracture. Therefore, we investigated whether hip fracture increased the risk of AMI in a large, nationwide cohort study. We obtained data from 8758 patients diagnosed with hip fracture from 2000 to 2009 and from 4 matched controls for each patient from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID 2000), Taiwan. Controls were matched for age, sex, comorbid disorders, and enrollment date. All subjects were followed up from the date of enrollment until AMI, death, or the end of data collection (2009). Cox's regression model adjusted for age, sex, comorbid disorders, and medication was used to assess independent factors determining the risk of development of AMI. As expected, despite the matching, the hip fracture patients had more risk factors for AMI at baseline. A total of 8758 subjects with hip fractures and 35,032 controls were identified. Among these patients, 1183 (257 hip fracture patients and 926 controls) developed AMI during the median 3.2-year (interquartile range 1.4 to 5.8 years) follow-up period. Patients with hip fractures had a higher incidence of AMI occurrence when compared with controls (8.7/1000 person-years versus 6.82/1000 person-years). Multivariate analysis adjusted for baseline covariates indicated that hip fracture was associated with a greater risk for AMI development (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-1.48; p < 0.001). We conclude that hip fracture is independently associated with a higher risk of subsequent AMI.

Association between panic disorder and risk of atrial fibrillation:a nationwide study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between panic disorder (PD) and atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

We used a nationwide population-based data set from Taiwan. A total of 3888 patients with PD and without a diagnosis of AF from a sampled cohort data set of 1,000,000 were included in the study group. Ten people without PD and AF were selected for every 1 patient in the study group, matched by propensity score matching according to time of enrollment, age, sex, and comorbidities. We performed log-rank tests to analyze differences in accumulated AF-free survival rates between the two groups. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to evaluate the independent factors determining the longitudinal hazard of AF.

RESULTS

During a maximal 7-year follow-up, 48 patients from the study group (1.2% of the patients with PD) and 358 from the control group (0.9% of the patients without PD) were newly diagnosed as having AF. Patients with PD had a significantly higher incidence of AF (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.54 [1.14-2.09]; log-rank test, p = .004). After Cox model adjustment for risk factors and comorbidities, PD (HR = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26-2.37), age (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.06-1.08), male sex (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.03-1.55), hypertension (HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.55-2.56), history of coronary artery disease (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.15-1.82), congestive heart failure (HR = 2.46; 95% CI, 1.84-3.30), and valvular heart disease (HR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.85-4.42) were independently associated with increased risk of AF.

CONCLUSIONS

PD is independently associated with higher incidence of AF to be diagnosed in the future. Larger prospective studies or meta-analysis are suggested to confirm the findings.

Compromised cerebrovascular modulation in chronic anxiety: evidence from cerebral blood flow velocity measured by transcranial Doppler sonography

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is the mechanism by which constant cerebral blood flow is maintained despite changes in cerebral perfusion pressure. CA can be evaluated by dynamic monitoring of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) with transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). The present study aimed to explore CA in chronic anxiety.

METHODS

Subjects with Hamilton anxiety scale scores ≥14 were enrolled and the dynamic changes of CBFV in response to an orthostatic challenge were investigated using TCD.

RESULTS

In both the anxious and the healthy subjects, the mean CBFV was significantly lower in the upright position than when supine. However, the CBFV changes from supine to upright differed between the anxious and the healthy groups. Anxious subjects showed more pronounced decreases in CBFV with abrupt standing.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that cerebrovascular modulation is compromised in chronic anxiety; anxious subjects have some insufficiency in maintaining cerebral perfusion after postural change. Given the fact that anxiety and impaired CA are associated with cardiovascular disease, early ascertainment of compromised cerebrovascular modulation using TCD might suggest interventional therapies in the anxious population, and improve the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for panic disorder in the Japanese population

Panic disorder (PD) is a moderately heritable anxiety disorder whose pathogenesis is not well understood. Due to the lack of power in previous association studies, genes that are truly associated with PD might not be detected. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in two independent data sets using the Affymetrix Mapping 500K Array or Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0. We obtained imputed genotypes for each GWAS and performed a meta-analysis of two GWAS data sets (718 cases and 1717 controls). For follow-up, 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested in 329 cases and 861 controls. Gene ontology enrichment and candidate gene analyses were conducted using the GWAS or meta-analysis results. We also applied the polygenic score analysis to our two GWAS samples to test the hypothesis of polygenic components contributing to PD. Although genome-wide significant SNPs were not detected in either of the GWAS nor the meta-analysis, suggestive associations were observed in several loci such as BDKRB2 (P=1.3 × 10(-5), odds ratio=1.31). Among previous candidate genes, supportive evidence for association of NPY5R with PD was obtained (gene-wise corrected P=6.4 × 10(-4)). Polygenic scores calculated from weakly associated SNPs (P<0.3 and 0.4) in the discovery sample were significantly associated with PD status in the target sample in both directions (sample I to sample II and vice versa) (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that large sets of common variants of small effects collectively account for risk of PD.

Panic disorder and subthreshold panic in the light of comorbidity: a follow-up study

Especially in the presence of agoraphobia and comorbid conditions, panic disorder causes significant impairment in life quality. Although there are several studies about epidemiology and clinical features, subthreshold symptoms and courses of comorbidity have not been studied sufficiently in panic disorder. The current study assessed the courses of panic disorder and subthreshold panic symptoms in consideration of the major and subthreshold comorbid conditions. Patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-diagnosed panic disorder were assessed using the panic disorder follow-up questionnaire, Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was used to determine comorbidity, and all participants were received to 1-year follow-up. Comorbidity assessment showed that the threshold comorbidity decreased, while the subthreshold comorbidity increased at 1-year follow-up. Panic disorder symptom severity was decreased, but subthreshold panic symptoms continued to be present within the course of the illness. Presence of agoraphobia and duration of disease were significantly related with higher Panic and Agoraphobia Scale scores in the second assessment, and these relationships were independent from the treatment process. Even if the comorbidity and the severity of panic decrease with treatment, subthreshold panic and comorbid symptoms may still resist in panic disorder.

Depression, anxiety, and cardiac morbidity outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery: a contemporary and practical review

Research to date indicates that the number of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients affected by depression (i.e., major, minor, dysthymia) approximates between 30% and 40% of all cases. A longstanding empirical interest on psychosocial factors in CABG surgery patients highlights an association with increased risk of morbidity in the short and longer term. Recent evidence suggests that both depression and anxiety increase the risk for mortality and morbidity after CABG surgery independent of medical factors, although the behavioral and biological mechanisms are poorly understood. Though neither depression nor anxiety seem to markedly affect neuropsychological dysfunction, depression confers a risk for incident delirium. Following a comprehensive overview of recent literature, practical advice is described for clinicians taking into consideration possible screening aids to improve recognition of anxiety and depression among CABG surgery patients. An overview of contemporary interventions and randomized, controlled trials are described, along with suggestions for future CABG surgery research.

Increased pulse wave velocity in patients with panic disorder: independent vascular influence of panic disorder on arterial stiffness

OBJECTIVE

Acute and chronic mental stress and many psychiatric disorders have been accepted as a cause of cardiovascular disease. Panic disorder, a subtype of anxiety disorder, has been associated with increased risk of fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in epidemiological studies. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) is currently the gold standard measurement of arterial stiffness. CF-PWV is a well-recognized predictor of an adverse cardiovascular outcome with higher predictive value than classical cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of our study is to measure PWV as the surrogate of arterial stiffness and vascular involvement in patients with panic disorder.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with PD, and 30 control participants were included in the study. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or the history of any cardiovascular disease were excluded from study.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups, except carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PD vs. control; 7.51±2.02 vs. 6.24±1.09 m/s, p=0.001), heart rate, and smoking status. Additionally, CF-PWV positively correlated with age (r=0.250, p=0.034), heart rate (r=0.284, p=0.017), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.393, p=0.001 and r=0.286, p=0.015, respectively) significantly. However, only the presence of panic disorder was independently related to PWV (βeta: 0.317, p=0.011) in the multivariate analysis including age, heart rate, smoking status and blood pressure measurements.

CONCLUSION

Increased pulse wave velocity in patients with panic disorder may justify the associated risk as documented in previous studies, and may be useful in identifying the patients with higher risk of future cardiovascular complications.

Improving recognition of late life anxiety disorders in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition: observations and recommendations of the Advisory Committee to the Lifespan Disorders Work Group

BACKGROUND

Recognition of the significance of anxiety disorders in older adults is growing. The revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides a timely opportunity to consider potential improvements to diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders for use with older people. The authors of this paper comprise the Advisory Committee to the DSM5 Lifespan Disorders Work Group, the purpose of which was to generate informative responses from individuals with clinical and research expertise in the field of late-life anxiety disorders.

METHODS

This paper reviews the unique features of anxiety in later life and synthesizes the work of the Advisory Committee.

RESULTS

Suggestions are offered for refining our understanding of the effects of aging on anxiety and other disorders (e.g., mood disorders) and changes to the DSM5 criteria and text that could facilitate more accurate recognition and diagnosis of anxiety disorders in older adults. Several of the recommendations are not limited to the study of anxiety but rather are applicable across the broader field of geriatric mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

DSM5 should provide guidelines for the thorough assessment of avoidance, excessiveness, and comorbid conditions (e.g., depression, medical illness, cognitive impairment) in anxious older adults.