Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
Cardiovascular Autonomic Function Tests in Patients of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study
Sandhya M1, Sunita Mittal1, Rajesh Kathrotia2
1Dept. of Physiology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.
Insights
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is linked to reduced heart rate variability (HRV), indicating decreased parasympathetic tone. Autonomic function tests reveal abnormal sympathetic reactivity in OCD patients compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Cardiology
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- Patients with psychiatric disorders face higher cardiovascular disease risk, impacting life expectancy.
- Autonomic dysfunction, particularly reduced heart rate variability (HRV), is implicated in this increased risk.
- Limited research exists on the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autonomic function, with conflicting findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess autonomic functions in individuals with OCD.
- To compare autonomic function parameters between OCD patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- 18 OCD patients (DSM-5 criteria) and 25 healthy controls underwent autonomic function testing.
- Evaluated time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear HRV parameters.
- Assessed autonomic reactivity through lying-to-standing and cold pressor tests.
Main Results:
- OCD patients exhibited significantly lower HRV parameters, suggesting reduced parasympathetic tone.
- Decreased total power and very low frequency in frequency-domain analysis indicated reduced overall autonomic tone.
- Altered nonlinear HRV parameters pointed to changes in vagal and sympathetic tone.
- Autonomic reactivity tests showed abnormal sympathetic responses in OCD patients.
- No significant correlation was found between autonomic parameters and OCD severity.
Conclusions:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder is associated with diminished parasympathetic tone.
- OCD patients demonstrate abnormal sympathetic reactivity compared to healthy individuals.
Background:
Patients with psychiatric disorders are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, reducing life expectancy. Autonomic dysfunction has been linked to this increased risk; many studies have found reductions in heart rate variability (HRV). Only a few studies have systematically explored the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autonomic function, and they have found contradicting results. The present study is intended to explore comprehensive autonomic functions in OCD patients and compare them with healthy controls.
Methods:
A total of 18 OCD patients meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 (DSM-5) criteria were enrolled to undergo comprehensive autonomic function testing, and the results were compared with 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Results:
Time-domain parameters of HRV such as standard deviation of the RR intervals, coefficient of variance of RR intervals, standard deviation of differences between adjacent RR intervals, root square of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent RR intervals, and percentage of number of RR interval differences ≥ 50 ms were significantly lower in OCD patients, indicating lesser parasympathetic tone. Frequency-domain parameters such as total power and very low frequency were significantly lower in OCD patients, indicating a significant decrease in autonomic tone. Nonlinear parameters such as dispersion of points perpendicular to the line of identity and dispersion of points along the line of identity were significantly lower in OCD patients, indicating altered vagal and sympathetic tone. In autonomic reactivity tests, the fall in systolic blood pressure during the lying to standing test and change in diastolic blood pressure during the cold pressor test were significantly altered in OCD patients, indicating abnormal sympathetic reactivity. There was no significant correlation between autonomic parameters and the severity of OCD.
Conclusion:
OCD is characterized by a decreased parasympathetic tone and abnormal sympathetic reactivity compared to normal controls.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
01:24Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
01:27Panic Disorder
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes