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Associations between anxiety disorders and physical illness
Martin C Härter1, Kevin P Conway, Kathleen R Merikangas
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. martin_haerter@psyallg.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|January 10, 2004
Summary
Anxiety disorders are linked to specific medical conditions like heart problems, hypertension, and migraines. Early evaluation for comorbidity in patients with anxiety or medical illness is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited research exists on the comorbidity of anxiety disorders and physical illnesses.
- Previous studies did not account for gender, substance abuse, or depression.
- Understanding these associations is vital for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of comorbidity between anxiety disorders and physical illnesses.
- To identify specific medical conditions associated with anxiety disorders.
- To adjust for confounding factors like gender, substance abuse, and depression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 262 probands recruited from treatment settings and the community.
- Employed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SADS) for diagnoses.
- Collected lifetime history of medical illnesses through direct interviews and family history.
Main Results:
- Individuals with a history of anxiety disorders reported higher rates of several medical illnesses.
- Significant associations were found between anxiety and cardiac disorders (OR=4.6), hypertension (OR=2.4), gastrointestinal problems (OR=2.4), genitourinary disorders (OR=3.5), and migraine (OR=5.0) after controlling for covariates.
- Similar patterns were observed in patients with panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Conclusions:
- Anxiety disorders are specifically associated with cardiac disorders, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, genitourinary problems, and migraines.
- Co-occurrence of anxiety and medical conditions necessitates careful evaluation.
- Highlights the importance of integrated care for patients with comorbid conditions.