Elevated serum angiotensin ii levels in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.

PURPOSE: Angiotensin II peptide is implicated in oxidative stress, neuropathology, and the serotonergic system. We investigated the serum angiotensin II levels in non-medicated children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-nine children and adolescents diagnosed with anxiety disorders and thirty-five controls participated in this study to investigate the potential association between anxiety disorders and serum angiotensin II levels. Parents of the participants completed the RCADS-P parent version to assess their children's anxiety and depression levels.

RESULTS

Higher serum angiotensin II levels were found in individuals with anxiety disorders compared to the control group. We found that social phobia, panic disorder, low mood (major depressive disorder), and generalized anxiety disorder subscale scores on the RCADS-P were significantly correlated with angiotensin II levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that children and adolescents with anxiety disorders had higher serum angiotensin II levels. The current findings align with previous research on the role of angiotensin II in other mental health conditions. Further research is necessary to elucidate its role in anxiety disorders.