Atrial natriuretic peptide : its relationship with anxiety and depression

Abstract

The Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is a hormone secreted by the heart, and, due to its mechanisms in the central nervous system, it is credited with a possible anxiolytic and stress-reducing effect. The aim of this study consisted of examining the values of ANP in adults and its relationship with anxiety and depression. An exploratory, observational and cross-sectional study was adopted. The sample was composed by 30 attending a Mental Health Service. The Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory were applied, and a negative  association between ANP values and the depressive state under Beck scale (p=0.017) was observed, more precisely lower ANP levels in patients with Beck´s severe depression state. There were no relevant associations between ANP values and Beck´s anxiety states. In order to reinforce this research topic, it is necessary to perform longitudinal studies, gather wider samples and include biological indicators for anxiety and depression as alpha-amylase and cortisol.