<![CDATA[Background. This study aims to see the relationship between the use of N95 masks and the autonomic responses of individuals with anxiety disorders. Methods. This study is an analytic experimental study on 140 respondents. Assessment of anxiety disorders was carried out by completing the DASS 42 questionnaire and psychiatric interviews by a psychiatristt. Autonomic responses are measured by measuring heart rate variability (HRV). Short-term root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) HRV parameters were measured using the Polar H10. HRV was measured when the respondent was not wearing a mask, when wearing an N95 mask and when wearing an N95 mask with a valve that had been opened (sham). Results. HRV in respondents with anxiety disorders had a significantly lower value than respondents without anxiety disorders. Both at baseline (median: 16.33 vs 23.35, p=0.004), when using an N95 (median: 16.47 vs 22.01, p=0.008) and when using a sham N95 (median: 16.94 vs 22.24, p=0.005). However, there was no relationship between the use of N95 masks and HRV in respondents with anxiety disorders (RMSSD baseline vs N95: median 16.33 vs 16.47, p=0.979). Conclusion. There is no relationship between the use of N95 masks and HRV in individuals with anxiety disorders. Keywords: anxiety disorders; heart rate variability; N95 mask.]]>
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