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Panic disorder, autonomic nervous system and dissociation - changes during therapy.
Jan Prasko1, Klara Latalova, Tomas Diveky
1Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic. prasko@fnol.cz
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|December 15, 2011
Summary
Panic disorder patients exhibit lower autonomic activity, particularly during postural changes, compared to healthy individuals. Treatment with antidepressants and CBT showed a tendency to improve this autonomic function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- Panic attacks are characterized by cardiovascular symptoms, with potential links to increased cardiac morbidity.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic nervous system function and is a tool for detecting autonomic instabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess heart rate variability (HRV) components (VLF, LF, HF) during orthostatic challenges in panic disorder patients before and after treatment.
- To compare HRV parameters between panic disorder patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed HRV using power spectral analysis of R-R intervals in 19 panic disorder patients and 18 controls.
- Measured HRV in supine and standing positions before and after a 6-week treatment of antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Main Results:
- Panic disorder patients showed significantly lower autonomic activity (VLF, LF, HF) during standing and supine positions compared to controls.
- A significant difference in the LF/HF ratio was observed in the standing position between groups.
- Treatment led to a tendency for increased HRV components, with a significant increase in HF in the first supine position.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder patients exhibit reduced autonomic activity during postural changes compared to healthy individuals.
- Treatment with antidepressants and CBT demonstrated a trend towards normalizing autonomic function in panic disorder patients.
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