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Allergy in panic disorder patients: a preliminary report(1)
Barbara L Kennedy1, Richard L Morris, John J Schwab
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA. Kennblk@aol.com
General Hospital Psychiatry
|July 9, 2002
Summary
Panic disorder patients frequently have allergies, which are linked to more severe panic attacks and higher anxiety symptom scores. Allergic individuals also showed a greater incidence of comorbid anxiety disorders, particularly specific phobias.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Allergology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Panic disorder is a significant mental health concern.
- The relationship between panic disorder and allergies requires further investigation.
- Comorbid anxiety disorders are common in panic disorder patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of allergies in panic disorder patients.
- To compare panic attack characteristics and anxiety symptoms between allergic and nonallergic panic disorder patients.
- To examine the association between allergies and comorbid anxiety disorders in panic disorder.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of panic disorder patients was assessed for allergies.
- Patients completed the Hamilton Anxiety Scale.
- Comorbid anxiety disorders were diagnosed and compared between allergic and nonallergic groups.
Main Results:
- 71.8% of panic disorder patients had allergies.
- Allergic subjects experienced more situational panic attacks.
- Allergic subjects had higher scores on 7 Hamilton Anxiety Scale symptoms and a higher prevalence of specific phobias.
Conclusions:
- Allergies are highly prevalent in panic disorder.
- Allergies may exacerbate panic disorder symptoms and increase the risk of specific phobias.
- These findings suggest a potential link between allergic responses and panic disorder pathophysiology.