The purpose of this research study is to examine the role oxidants, substances produced in the blood that can damage blood vessel function, may play in blood vessel function in healthy individuals as well as individuals with mental health disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)).
apparently healthy and free of overt cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease
for PTSD group, a score of ≥ 33 on PCL-5 checklist
for GAD group, a score of ≥ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and < 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
for Healthy Control group, a score of ≤ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and < 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
taking medications that could influence cardiovascular function
current smokers who have recently quit smoking
illicit drug use or excessive alcohol consumption
pregnant women