The Assessment of Platelet Indices Levels in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Background: The prevalence of anxiety disorders is increasing in the world. Studies revealed that generalized anxiety disorder may lead to change in platelet size, volume and functions. Thus, the changes in platelet indices may increase the future risk of thrombotic diseases in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Aim: To evaluate platelet indices (total count of platelet, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit) levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Material 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 of 144 individuals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with ages ranging from 18 - 50 years. Group A was the study group selected from Out Patient Department of Psychiatry of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, diagnosed by an experienced psychiatrist. Group B was the control group who were apparently healthy adults selected from different areas 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. Platelet indices (total count of platelet, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit) were measured in the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Statistical Analysis: For statistical analysis, the Unpaired Student’s “t” test was considered using SPSS 25.0 version. Results: Mean platelet volume of generalized anxiety disorder patients was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the control group. Platelet distribution width and plateletcrit were higher in the study group than the control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that generalized anxiety disorder patients may have more chance of thrombotic diseases due to significantly higher mean platelet volume and higher platelet distribution width, plateletcrit than healthy adults.