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BACKGROUND:Activation of the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in regulating cardiovascular actions. P wave parameters can provide general information on central cardiovascular autonomic regulatory responses, which are altered in patients with anxiety disorders and depression. In particular, there are no reports addressing changes in P wave duration and dispersion.OBJECTIVE:To compare the differences in P wave duration and P wave dispersion between patients with anxiety disorders and depression, because patients with anxiety disorders and depression develop abnormal electrocardiograms.PARTICIPANTS:A total of 71 consecutive patients with depression and anxiety disorders, as well as 50 physically and mentally healthy age- and gender-matched controls were selected.METHODS:Electrocardiogram records were obtained at the time of admission to the outpatient clinics.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:P wave duration and P wave dispersion were measured.RESULTS:Both the maximum (Pmax) and minimum (Pmin) P wave duration were greater in patients with psychiatric disorders than in healthy controls. Pmax was significantly greater in patients with depression or anxiety disorders (Bonferroni test, P < 0.017). The P wave dispersion was similar between patients and controls (P > 0.017). P waves were similar between panic patients and other anxiety patients. Beck depression results were positively correlated with Pmin and Pmax (r = 0.374, 0.302, P = 0.013, 0.049, respectively), and not associated with P wave dispersion (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Psychiatric disorders are associated with increases in Pmax, but not with P wave dispersion. The P wave changes were associated with the degree of depression.