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Panic disorder in women: a population-based twin study
K S Kendler1, M C Neale, R C Kessler
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0710.
Psychological Medicine
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Panic disorder aggregation in families is modest in the general population, unlike previous clinical studies. Genetic factors play a role, but heritability estimates for panic disorder are moderate (30-40%).
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous research suggested strong familial aggregation of panic disorder, possibly due to a single major gene.
- Clinical samples may overestimate the genetic influence on panic disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial aggregation and heritability of panic disorder in a population-based sample.
- To compare findings with previous studies based on clinical samples.
Main Methods:
- A population-based twin registry of 2163 women was used.
- Panic disorder diagnoses (DSM-III-R) were made via blind, structured interviews, using both clinician review and computer algorithms.
- A multifactorial-threshold model was applied to estimate heritability.
Main Results:
- Familial aggregation of panic disorder was modest in this population-based sample.
- Heritability estimates for liability ranged from 30% to 40%.
- Panic disorder with phobic avoidance appeared to be a more severe form than panic disorder without avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder is moderately heritable in the general population, with genetic factors contributing.
- Findings contrast with previous studies based on clinical samples, suggesting ascertainment bias.
- Panic disorder with phobic avoidance represents a more severe phenotype.