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Correlates of mitral valve prolapse among patients with panic disorder
W Matuzas1, J al-Sadir, E H Uhlenhuth
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, IL.
Abstract:
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has been observed more frequently than expected among patients who report the current experience of panic attacks. The MVP observed has been generally of a mild variety and has not been associated with clinically meaningful variables in studies to date. In the current study, 82 patients with panic disorder (PD) who were recruited for a study of the drug treatment of PD were assessed for the presence of MVP, and patients with and without MVP were compared on several variables. Statistically significant findings were that patients with MVP were younger and more often female; reported an earlier age of onset of PD and more frequent panic attacks; and had a higher ponderal index, lower weight, and lower levels of triiodothyronine than patients without MVP. Contrary to previous studies, these results suggest that the presence of MVP among patients with PD is associated with potentially meaningful differences. While generalizability may be limited and causal relationships speculative at this time, the variables identified in this study deserve more explicit attention in future studies of PD and MVP.
Insights
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is more common in patients experiencing panic attacks. This study found that MVP in panic disorder patients is linked to younger age, female sex, earlier onset, and specific physiological differences.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is frequently observed in patients with panic attacks.
- Previous studies found mild MVP unrelated to significant clinical variables.
- The association between MVP and panic disorder (PD) warrants further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of MVP in patients with panic disorder (PD).
- To compare patients with and without MVP on various clinical and demographic variables.
- To identify potentially meaningful differences associated with MVP in PD patients.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two patients with PD, recruited for a drug treatment study, were assessed for MVP.
- Patients were divided into groups with and without MVP.
- Comparative analysis was performed on demographic, clinical, and physiological variables.
Main Results:
- Patients with MVP were younger and more frequently female.
- MVP patients reported an earlier age of PD onset and more frequent panic attacks.
- MVP was associated with a higher ponderal index, lower weight, and lower triiodothyronine levels.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to prior research, MVP in PD patients is associated with significant differences.
- Identified variables (age, sex, onset, physiological markers) require further study.
- These findings suggest a potentially meaningful link between MVP and PD characteristics.