Primary hyperaldosteronism was associated with higher depression and anxiety than the normal population, with untreated females having significantly higher depression scores than males.
Cross-Sectional (n=132)
Are there gender differences or treatment-related differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with primary hyperaldosteronism?
Patients with primary hyperaldosteronism exhibit a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, with females being significantly more affected, suggesting RAAS involvement in mood regulation.
OBJECTIVE: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) has gained increasing attention in the investigation of the pathogenesis of depression. Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is associated with a marked aldosterone excess. Prior studies on PA describe an increased prevalence of anxiety and sub-threshold depressive symptoms in these patients. METHODS: In a cross-sectional exploratory study we investigated 132 patients with PA. Twenty-seven patients were studied before initiation of specific treatment (U = untreated), 56 were studied 5.4 years after initiation of mineralocorticoid antagonist treatment (MRA) and 49 patients were studied 4.3 years after unilateral adrenalectomy (ADX). GAD-7 and PHQD self-rating questionnaires were used to assess symptoms for anxiety and depression. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the three investigated groups. A higher prevalence for depression and anxiety compared to the normal population was found. Women of all groups had higher mean values compared to men, for depression in untreated patients this difference was found to be significant. Correlations between the psychopathology and hormones were only found for renin. Plasma renin concentration correlated significantly with anxious symptoms of untreated females. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the RAAS to be involved in the pathogenesis of depression as patients with PA seem to be more depressive and anxious compared to the normal population. Gender differences in the regulation of the RAAS seem to be apparent, as females were more affected by the dysregulation than males.
Apostolopoulou et al. (Tue,) conducted a cross-sectional in Primary hyperaldosteronism (n=132). Female gender vs. Male gender was evaluated on Anxiety and depressive symptoms (assessed by GAD-7 and PHQD). Primary hyperaldosteronism was associated with higher depression and anxiety than the normal population, with untreated females having significantly higher depression scores than males.