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Prevalence of panic disorder in mitral valve prolapse: a comparative study with a cardiac control group
K Sivaramakrishnan1, P J Alexander, N Saharsarnamam
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical College, Calicut, India.
Abstract:
This study investigated the relationship between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and panic disorder (PD), by comparing the prevalence of PD in 33 patients with MVP and 27 patients with haemodynamically insignificant atrial septal defect or patent ductus arteriosus. MVP was diagnosed using standard echocardiographic criteria and the presence of mental disorder was assessed blindly with the help of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. DSM-III criteria were used to diagnose PD. The two groups did not differ in age and sex; 12.1% of MVP patients and 3.7% of cardiac controls had PD (NS). Although the prevalence of PD in our sample of MVP patients was considerably higher than the prevalence of PD in the general population, this need not necessarily indicate a causal relationship between MVP and PD and may be due to studying a hospital-based sample. The absence of any significant difference in prevalence of PD between MVP patients and a carefully selected cardiac control group drawn from the same setting argues against any special relationship between PD and MVP.
Insights
This study found no significant link between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and panic disorder (PD). Comparing MVP patients to cardiac controls showed similar PD rates, suggesting no special relationship.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a cardiac condition.
- Panic disorder (PD) is a mental health condition characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear.
- The potential relationship between MVP and PD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and panic disorder (PD).
- To compare the prevalence of PD in patients with MVP versus a cardiac control group.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography was used to diagnose MVP.
- The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia assessed mental disorders.
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition (DSM-III) criteria were used for PD diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of PD was 12.1% in MVP patients and 3.7% in cardiac controls (not significant).
- No significant difference in PD prevalence was observed between the MVP and control groups.
- Age and sex distributions were similar between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence to support a special relationship between MVP and PD.
- Observed PD prevalence in MVP patients may be influenced by hospital-based sampling rather than a causal link.
- Further research is needed to fully understand any potential associations.