Association between idiopathic mitral valve prolapse and panic disorder.

AIM: To evaluate the association between idiopathic mitral valve prolapse and panic disorder.

METHODS: The study comprised 50 patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse, 50 patients with panic disorder, and 50 healthy controls. All subjects underwent echocardiographic evaluation. If idiopathic mitral valve prolapse was present, the level of prolapse was measured. To reach psychiatric diagnosis, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, clinician version, was administered to all subjects. For psychometric evaluation, all subjects completed the Symptom Check List, Beck Depression Inventory, and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory.

RESULTS: The prevalence of panic disorder was 16% in patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse, and 2% in healthy controls (p=0.03). The average scores on all psychometric scales were the highest in the panic disorder group, whereas average scores in idiopathic mitral valve prolapse group were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.001). Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse and panic disorder groups displayed similar features of panic attack symptoms. Panic disorder cases with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse and those without it did not significantly differ in terms of psychometric evaluations and clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION: The possibility of comorbidity of panic disorder and idiopathic mitral valve prolapse should be taken into account in the approach to the patients diagnosed with either of the disorders.