Evaluation of arterial stiffness in patients with generalized anxiety disorder

Purpose: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychiatric condition where both physical and mental symptoms are observed due to the activation of the sympathetic system. It is known that the disorder affects the cardiovascular system. The present study aimed to analyze arterial stiffness in GAD patients and compare the findings with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: 40 patients diagnosed with GAD and 40 healthy individuals were included in the study. Carotid and femoral artery intima-medial thickness (IMT) and arterial thickness parameters were measured with Doppler ultrasonography. Results: The femoral IMT of the patients was significantly low. Although the carotid IMT was higher in patients when compared to the controls, the difference was not statistically significant. A significant negative correlation was determined between fluoxetine equivalent dose and femoral IMT. There was a correlation between femoral IMT and fluoxetine equivalent dose. Conclusion: Arterial stiffness should be investigated for its potential to indicate cardiovascular risk in GAD. Further comprehensive studies should be conducted to clarify whether atherosclerosis symptoms were associated with the nature of the GAD or prescription medicine.