Comparative Study of Respiratory Indices in Anxiety Disorder and Healthy People

Propose: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. So far, no study has examined their respiratory system changes. The purpose of this study was to compare the respiratory pattern indices of healthy individuals and individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

  In the current cross-sectional study, 16 patients with clinical diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with referral to a psychiatrist were compared with 16 matched healthy individuals. The information of the respiratory system was collected using a chronograph and spirometery. The Pulmonary function tests recorded were FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC end-tidal CO2 pressure and respiratory rate were measured using Capnograph. The Nijmegen questionnaire was used to quantify hyperventilation complaints.

The results of this study showed that anxiety patients had significantly lower levels of FEV1 and FEV1% in comparison with healthy subjects. Exhaled carbon dioxide and respiratory rate were significantly different between the two groups The Niggins questionnaire score was significantly higher in the group of anxiety patients than in the healthy subjects.

Respiratory pattern in people with generalized anxiety disorder was changed by respiratory volume, increased respiratory rate and decreased CO2. The current findings suggest that assessment of respiratory system in GAD patients can be effective in the early diagnosis and treatment process of breathing problems in physiotherapy centers.