Heart rate and heart rate variability in panic, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorders at baseline and in response to relaxation and hyperventilation

Pittig A, Arch JJ, Lam CWR, Craske MG (2013)

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

International Journal of Psychophysiology Elsevier

Book Volume: 87

Pages Range: 19-27

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.10.012

Abstract

It remains unclear if diminished high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) can be found across anxiety disorders. HF-HRV and heart rate (HR) were examined in panic (PD), generalized anxiety (GAD), social anxiety (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) relative to healthy controls at baseline and during anxiety stressors. All disorders evidenced diminished baseline HF-HRV relative to controls. Baseline HRV differences were maintained throughout relaxation. For hyperventilation, PD and GAD demonstrated greater HR than controls. Psychotropic medication did not account for HF-HRV differences except in OCD. Age and sex evidenced multiple main effects. Findings suggest that low baseline HF-HRV represents a common index for inhibitory deficits across PD, GAD, and SAD, which is consistent with the notion of autonomic inflexibility in anxiety disorders. Elevated HR responses to hyperventilation, however, are specific to PD and GAD. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Authors with CRIS profile

Andre Pittig Professorship for Translational Psychotherapy

Involved external institutions

University of Colorado System US United States (USA) (US) University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Pittig, A., Arch, J.J., Lam, C.W.R., & Craske, M.G. (2013). Heart rate and heart rate variability in panic, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorders at baseline and in response to relaxation and hyperventilation. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 87(1), 19-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.10.012

MLA:

Pittig, Andre, et al. "Heart rate and heart rate variability in panic, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorders at baseline and in response to relaxation and hyperventilation." International Journal of Psychophysiology 87.1 (2013): 19-27.

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