Depersonalization and personality in panic disorder.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Depersonalization symptoms are frequently observed in panic disorder patients.
• Personality traits may influence the likelihood of depersonalization in individuals with panic disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of depersonalization symptoms during panic attacks and depersonalization disorder.
• To investigate personality factors associated with depersonalization in panic disorder patients.

Main Methods:

• 104 adult outpatients with panic disorder were assessed.
• Diagnostic criteria were based on the Semistructured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Axis I/II disorders).
• Assessments included the Cambridge Depersonalization Scales, Temperament and Character Inventory, and Panic and Agoraphobia Scale.

Main Results:

• 48% experienced depersonalization symptoms during panic attacks; 20% had depersonalization disorder.
• Women showed higher rates of depersonalization disorder than men.
• Depersonalization disorder in panic patients correlated with increased panic severity.

Conclusions:

• High prevalence of depersonalization symptoms and disorder in panic disorder patients supports a dose-response model.
• Self-transcendence personality trait and panic severity are identified risk factors for depersonalization disorder.