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Chest pain in generalized anxiety disorder
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento 95816.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is frequently linked to chest pain, often associated with excessive worry rather than panic attacks. This suggests GAD may be a common diagnosis for unexplained chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Cardiology
Background:
- Chest pain is a common presenting complaint.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry.
- The relationship between GAD and chest pain requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of chest pain in patients with GAD.
- To explore the association between chest pain and excessive worry in GAD patients.
- To examine medical utilization for chest pain in GAD.
Main Methods:
- A structured interview was used to assess chest pain history, medical utilization, and its relationship to panic attacks and excessive worry.
- Fifty outpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for GAD were evaluated.
Main Results:
- 48% of GAD patients reported a history of chest pain.
- Chest pain in GAD patients was often associated with excessive worry, not necessarily panic attacks.
- Medical care utilization for chest pain in GAD was similar to that in panic disorder patients.
Conclusions:
- GAD is a potential diagnosis for patients presenting with chest pain and no coronary artery disease.
- Chest pain may be a common symptom of GAD, warranting consideration for inclusion in diagnostic criteria.
- Future research should assess GAD in patients with unexplained chest pain.