P Wave Dispersion in Patients with Generalised Anxiety Disorder

INTRODUCTION: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is primarily characterized by persistent anxiety and worry, factors which are potentially associated with alterations in P-wave parameters. This study aimed to investigate P-wave dispersion in patients with GAD to determine if these atrial electrophysiological changes are present in this population. METHODS: P-wave dispersion, along with Pmax and Pmin values, was assessed via electrocardiography (ECG) in twenty patients with GAD and twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that Pmax and Pmin values were significantly elevated in patients with GAD compared to healthy controls. Notably, the primary outcome measure—mean P-wave dispersion—was significantly higher in the patient cohort (50.74 +- 6.10 ms) than in the control group (35.32 +- 3.79). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion, patients with GAD exhibited significantly higher Pmax, Pmin, and P-wave dispersion values compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest that individuals with GAD may warrant closer clinical monitoring of their atrial electrophysiology.