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Generalized anxiety and C-reactive protein levels: a prospective, longitudinal analysis
W E Copeland1, L Shanahan, C Worthman
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. William.Copeland@duke.edu
Psychological Medicine
|June 22, 2012
Summary
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is linked to higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, an inflammation marker. However, this association is explained by factors like body mass index and medication use, unlike depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) frequently co-occurs with depression.
- Depression is linked to elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.
- The relationship between CRP and GAD has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CRP levels and GAD in a longitudinal population-based cohort.
- To explore potential mediating factors in the GAD-CRP relationship.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nine waves of data from the prospective Great Smoky Mountains Study (n=1420).
- Assessed GAD symptoms, diagnosis, and cumulative episodes via structured interviews.
- Measured high-sensitivity CRP levels from blood spot samples.
Main Results:
- Bivariate analyses showed GAD associated with increased CRP.
- These associations were diminished after controlling for covariates.
- Longitudinal models indicated minimal evidence of CRP predicting GAD.
- GAD's association with later CRP was attenuated by health covariates and mediated by BMI and medication use.
Conclusions:
- GAD is associated with elevated CRP, similar to depression.
- The GAD-CRP link is explained by health behaviors like BMI and medication use.
- Findings suggest distinct inflammation associations for GAD compared to depression.
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