The evaluation of urinary vanillylmandelic acid level in patients with generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

Background and objectives: The prevalence of anxiety disorders is increasing in the world. Studies revealed that generalized anxiety disorder may lead to change in circulating catecholamine levels. Thus, the changes of catecholamine metabolite like urinary vanillylmandelic acid may increase the future risk of thrombotic diseases in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The aim of this present study is to evaluate urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2019 to June 2020.After obtaining ethical clearance, a total 144 individuals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with age ranging from 18-50 years. Group A was study group selected from Out Patient Department of Psychiatry of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka diagnosed by the experienced psychiatrist. Group B was control group who were apparently healthy adults selected from different area of Dhaka city. The subjects were interviewed and detailed history regarding personal, family, medical and drug history were taken. Prior to sample collection, informed written consent was taken from the participants. Urinary vanillylmandelic acid levels were measured in the Department of Endocrinology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka. Statistical analysis: For statistical analysis, Unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test was considered using SPSS 25.0 version. Results: Urinary vanillylmandelic acid of generalized anxiety disorder patients was significantly higher (p< 0.001) than control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that generalized anxiety disorder patients may have more chance of thrombotic diseases due to significantly higher urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) levels than healthy adults.