Abstract: FR-PO0382
Anxiety Prevalence in Adolescents Referred to Nephrology for Elevated BP and Its Association with White Coat Hypertension
Session Information
- Hypertension and CVD: Clinical - 2
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Hypertension and CVD
- 1602 Hypertension and CVD: Clinical
Authors
- Mulvihill, Hannah C, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Diem, Danielle, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Abdullah, Mahie M., Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Castellanos, Laura J., Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Di Scipio, Sofia Maurina, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Frank, Rachel, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Hill-Horowitz, Taylor, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Karan, Meghana, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Katzow, Michelle W, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Margolis, Katie, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Schuchman, Matthew, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Sethna, Christine B., Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Shen, Carol L., Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Singer, Pamela, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Sohail, Rubab, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Basalely, Abby Miriam, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
Background
White Coat Hypertension (WCH) is thought to result from stress and anxiety during doctor visits. Despite rising anxiety in adolescents, little research explores its link to WCH. We hypothesize that baseline anxiety is common and associated with WCH.
Methods
This single-center study included adolescents (12-18) referred for elevated clinic BP and prescribed ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Adolescents treated with anti-anxiety/anti-depression medications were excluded. Anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and scores were categorized as minimal (0-4), mild-moderate (5-14), and severe (15+). Depression was evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores >5 considered positive. Primary care physicians (PCP) were notified for positive scores. ABPM BP phenotypes were classified according to the 2022 AHA guidelines. Logisitic regression assessed the association between anxiety and WCH.
Results
This cohort included 14 adolescents (64.3% male, median age 16 [15,17]). Half (42.9%, n=6) screened positive for anxiety, with 35.7% (n=5) having mild-moderate and 7.1% (n=1) severe anxiety. 8 referrals to PCP/mental health were made. Interestingly, those with mild-moderate anxiety had a higher median body mass index (33.8) compared to those with minimal anxiety (25.2). Nearly two thirds (61.5%, n=8) had WCH, and of those, 50% (n=4/8) had baseline anxiety. Of those with HTN, 3 had sustained day/night and 2 had nocturnal HTN, and 40% (n=2) had anxiety. Logistic regression showed no significant association between baseline anxiety and WCH (OR 1.5 [95% CI 0.15, 14]).
Conclusion
This study highlights the high prevalence of anxiety in adolescents referred to pediatric nephrology clinic for elevated BP. Though a link between anxiety and WCH was not statistically confirmed (likely due to limited enrollment), the study’s preliminary findings underscore the need for mental health screening in HTN/nephrology clinic. Continued research with a larger sample size is crucial to investigate the relationship between anxiety and BP in adolescents. Our study is ongoing and continuing to enroll patients.