| Abstract: | The prevalence of echocardiographic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and arrhythmias was studied in controls (n = 23) and patients with panic disorder (n = 14), bulimia nervosa (n = 14), and anorexia nervosa (n = 21). There was approximately twice the rate of MVP in patient groups compared to controls, a statistically insignificant difference. Importantly, the presence of prolapse was not associated with measures of weight or depression but there was a trend for MVP to be associated with anxiety disorder in bulimic patients. There were no significant arrhythmias found. These results raise the possibility that MVP may not be a state weight-related phenomenon as has been proported, but rather a trait phenomenon reflecting comorbidity with anxiety disorder. |
