Publication Name	World Journal of Psychiatry
Manuscript ID	122420
DOI	10.5498/wjp.122420
Country	China

Category	Psychiatry
Manuscript Type	Prospective Study
Article Title	Potential impact of generalized anxiety disorder on future hypertension risk: Investigating the role of psychophysiological stress pathways
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Le-Rong Ouyang, Miao-Ling Zheng, Jin-Yi Hu, Qiu-Hong Li, Hu Xie, Xi Yang, Jian-Bin Xue and Xin-Yue Lin
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Xin-Yue Lin, MD, Cotton Ridge Community Health Service Center, Shenzhen Luohu Hospital Group, No. 2 Xinmian Road, Shenzhen 518019, Guangdong Province, China. 13410786720@163.com
Key Words	Generalized anxiety disorder; Hypertension; Psychophysiological stress; Cortisol; Heart rate variability; Inflammation
Core Tip	This prospective observational cohort study suggests that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with future hypertension risk in a clinic-based population without baseline hypertension. Among the 300 participants, the 12-month incidence of sustained new-onset hypertension was higher in the GAD group (37.5% vs 6.9%). This association persisted after expanded adjustment for clinical variables, psychotropic/hypnotic medication use, physical activity, and dietary salt intake (adjusted odds ratio = 2.31). Patients with GAD also showed higher cortisol, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 levels and impaired heart rate variability. Exploratory mediation analysis supported cortisol and heart rate variability as possible statistical links; however, causal interpretation requires longer-term studies with repeated biomarker measurements.
Citation	Ouyang LR, Zheng ML, Hu JY, Li QH, Xie H, Yang X, Xue JB, Lin XY. Potential impact of generalized anxiety disorder on future hypertension risk: Investigating the role of psychophysiological stress pathways. World J Psychiatry 2026; In press DOI: https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.122420
PDF	122420-in-press.pdf

Received	2026-05-19 10:42
Peer-Review Started	2026-05-19 10:42
First Decision by Editorial Office Director
Return for Revision	2026-06-22 06:43
Revised	2026-07-06 03:38
Publication Fee Transferred	2026-07-21 11:39
Second Decision by Editor	2026-07-31 02:50
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-07-31 10:37
Articles in Press	2026-07-31 10:37
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	2220-3206 (online)
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