MedWorm: Agoraphobia

Multivariate analysis of anxiety disorders yields further evidence of linkage to chromosomes 4q21 and 7p in panic disorder families

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractReplication has been difficult to achieve in linkage studies of psychiatric disease. Linkage studies of panic disorder have indicated regions of interest on chromosomes 1q, 2p, 2q, 3, 7, 9, 11, 12q13, 12q23, and 15. Few regions have been implicated in more than one study. We examine two samples, the Iowa (IA) and the Columba panic disorder families. We use the fuzzy‐clustering method presented by Kaabi et al. [Kaabi et al. (2006); Am J Hum Genet 78: 543–553] to summarize liability to panic disorder, agoraphobia, simple phobia, and social phobia. Kaabi et al. applied this method to the Yale panic disorder linkage families and found evidence of linkage to chromosomes 4q21, 4q32, 7p, and 8. When we apply the same method to the IA families, we obtain overlapping evidence of linkage...

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Anxiety UK applauds American woman’s extraordinary New Year’s resolution

ANXIETY UK News — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:39:48 +0100

Every year, many of us make a New Year’s resolution. A great number of people resolve to be more physically fit, to eat more healthily or to spend more quality time with their family. But one American woman’s resolution was much greater. Arlynn Presser, an agoraphobic since her teens, was determined to meet all 324 [...] (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

Treatment strategies of obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder/agoraphobia.

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:55:37 +0100

Authors: Marazziti D, Carlini M, Dell'osso L Abstract Anxiety disorders represent the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. In addition, a considerable burden is associated with them, not only for individual sufferers, but also for the health care system. However, many patients who might benefit from treatment are not diagnosed or treated. This may partly be due to lack of awareness of the anxiety disorders by primary care practitioners and by the sufferers themselves. In addition, the stigma still associated with psychiatric disorders and lack of confidence in psychiatric treatments are factors leading to no/under recognition and treatment, or the use of unnecessary or inappropriate treatments. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of recommendations for the pharmacolo...

Facebook miracle: Mother overcomes agoraphobia after resolving to meet all her 300 Facebook friends in person

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:49:30 +0100

Arlynn Presser, 55, from Chicago, has met 292 of her online friends in a year, after she made a resolution to overcome her crippling fear of open spaces. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Lay Beliefs About Psychological and Social Problems Among Adolescents: Motivational and Cognitive Antecedents1

Journal of Applied Social Psychology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study attempted to apply theoretical concepts from personality and social psychology to understand the nomological network informing clinical models held by laypersons. Personal values and social axioms predicted the lay beliefs of Chinese adolescents about the causes and cures of 2 psychological problems (agoraphobia and schizophrenia) and 2 social problems (child abuse and corruption). Using path analyses, we developed a model of lay beliefs for each specific problem, and found that social problems were perceived to be caused by social‐personal factors, whereas psychological problems varied in their perceived etiology, with agoraphobia perceived to be caused by the environmental/hereditary factor and schizophrenia by the social‐personal factor. Clinical methods were perceived to...

Psychiatric involvement in adult patients with mitochondrial disease

Neurological Sciences — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:38:07 +0100

Abstract Mitochondrial disorders are caused by impairment of the respiratory chain. Psychiatric features often represent part of their clinical spectrum. However, the real incidence of psychiatric disorders in these diseases is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychiatric involvement in a group of patients with mitochondrial disorders and without already diagnosed mental illness. Twenty-four patients with mitochondrial disorder and without already diagnosed mental diseases have been studied by means of the mini-international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) and the newcastle mitochondrial diseases adult scale (NMDAS). In patients with mitochondrial disease, psychiatric conditions were far more common than in general Italian population (about 60 vs. 20–25%)...

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Using everyday technology to enhance evidence-based treatments.

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Technologies such as smartphones and digital cameras are an increasingly ubiquitous part of modern life, and the increasing convenience of these electronic tools provides psychotherapists with opportunities to incorporate these technologies into psychotherapy. In the face of so much opportunity, psychotherapists must learn how to incorporate these tools effectively and responsibly. The authors present three case studies that demonstrate the use of digital technology to individualize and enhance the efficiency of existing evidence-based treatments. In the first, digital pictures were used to track the treatment progress of a client who compulsively hoards. In the second, a smartphone was used to record a personalized progressive muscle relaxation file for a client with agoraphobia, hypochon...

Ruminative response in clinical patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders

Journal of Affective Disorders — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:23:58 +0100

Conclusions: A heightened ruminative response was not only found among individuals with MDD, but also among those with BPD and GAD/OCD; this might indicate ineffective thought control. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Empirically derived subgroups of bipolar I patients with different comorbidity patterns of anxiety and substance use disorders in Han Chinese population

Journal of Affective Disorders — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:23:58 +0100

Conclusion: The three empirically identified subgroups of BPI patients exhibited distinguished comorbidity patterns and clinical features, including suicidal behaviors, frequent mood episodes and functional impairments. Our findings have clinical implication in intervention and treatment as well as to explore their different underlying mechanisms. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

How to Conquer Panic in Three Easy Steps

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:30:35 +0100

Imagine that you’re feeling fine, minding your own business, when suddenly out of the blue your chest tightens, you can’t catch your breath, your heart races, you feel dizzy, and break into a cold sweat. Sounds like a heart attack, right? Not necessarily, it could be simple panic and here’s how to conquer it. Primary Topic: Anxiety read more (Source: Psychology Today Anxiety Center)

Efficacy of a specific model for cognitive-behavioral therapy among panic disorder patients with agoraphobia: a randomized clinical trial.

Sao Paulo Medical Journal — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:06:02 +0100

CONCLUSION: Although both groups responded to the treatment and improved, we only observed significant differences between the interventions on some scales. The association between specific cognitive-behavioral therapy focusing on somatic complaints and pharmacological treatment was effective among this sample of patients with panic disorder and the response was similar in the group with pharmacological treatment alone. PMID: 22069132 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Sao Paulo Medical Journal)

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Differential characteristics of anxiety syndromes in clinical adolescents

Central European Journal of Medicine — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:47:33 +0100

Conclusions. A few but significant differential predictors were found distinguishing Panic-agoraphobic patients, social phobics and those suffering from GAD from one another. There are only few specific predictive risk factors evident as essentially differing within anxiety syndromes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.2478/s11536-011-0119-9Authors Elek Dinya, Department of Medical Informatics and Education, Semmelweis University, H-1086 Budapest VIII, Üllői út 78/b, HungaryJanos Csorba, Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education, Department of Special Needs Pathology, Eötvös Lóránd University of Sciences, Budapest, H-1097 Ecseri út 3., HungaryZsófia Grósz, Fodor József Department of National Public Health, Semmelweis Universit...

The Agoraphobic Girl

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:38:28 +0100

Agoraphobia is derived from the Greek words phobia, which means "fear," and agora, which means "marketplace." Agoraphobia generally means a fear of public places, perhaps due to social anxiety. But from a family systems point of view, a child's agoraphobia can have a different meaning entirely. Primary Topic: Anxiety read more (Source: Psychology Today Anxiety Center)

A comparison of melancholic and nonmelancholic recurrent major depression in Han Chinese women

Depression and Anxiety — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report here the first detailed comparison of melancholic and nonmelancholic major depression (MD) in a Chinese population examining in particular whether these two forms of MD differ quantitatively or qualitatively. Methods: DSM‐IV criteria for melancholia were applied to 1,970 Han Chinese women with recurrent MD recruited from 53 provincial mental health centers and psychiatric departments of general medical hospitals in 41 cities. Statistical analyses, utilizing Student's t‐tests and Pearson's χ2, were calculated using SPSS 13.0. Results: Melancholic patients with MD were distinguished from nonmelancholic by being older, having a later age at onset, more episodes of illness and meeting more A criteria. They also had higher levels of neuroticism and rates of lifetime generalized a...

Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with mechanical valve prostheses with and without rheumatic fever

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:14:13 +0100

CONCLUSION: High comorbidity of psychiatric disorders, mainly depression and anxiety disorders, was observed in that population, in addition to a high suicide risk. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

Interval aerobic training as a tool in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of panic disorder

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:14:13 +0100

We describe the procedures used in the exercise program and also the positive results achieved regarding cardiac anxiety reduction and everyday anxiety reduction concerning activities that requested physical effort. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

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Marcos Tomanik Mercadante (1960-2011)

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:14:13 +0100

Errata

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:14:13 +0100

Psychometric properties of the mobility inventory for agoraphobia: convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity.

Behavior Therapy — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:46:06 +0100

Authors: Chambless DL, Sharpless BA, Rodriguez D, McCarthy KS, Milrod BL, Khalsa SR, Barber JP Abstract Aims of this study were (a) to summarize the psychometric literature on the Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MIA), (b) to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the MIA's Avoidance Alone and Avoidance Accompanied rating scales relative to clinical severity ratings of anxiety disorders from the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS), and (c) to establish a cutoff score indicative of interviewers' diagnosis of agoraphobia for the Avoidance Alone scale. A meta-analytic synthesis of 10 published studies yielded positive evidence for internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity of the scales. Participants in the present study were 129 people with ...

Anxiety Online—A Virtual Clinic: Preliminary Outcomes Following Completion of Five Fully Automated Treatment Programs for Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms

Journal of Medical Internet Research — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overall, all five fully automated self-help e-therapy programs appear to be delivering promising high-quality outcomes; however, the results require replication. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN121611000704998; http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?ID=336143 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/618r3wvOG) (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)

Age at onset of major depressive disorder in Han Chinese women: Relationship with clinical features and family history

Journal of Affective Disorders — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:29:29 +0100

Conclusions: Early AAO in MDD may be an index of a more severe, highly comorbid and familial disorder. Our findings indicate that the features of MDD in China are similar to those reported elsewhere in the world. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

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Memory dysfunction in panic disorder: an investigation of the role of chronic benzodiazepine use

Depression and Anxiety — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that patients with PD are characterized by relative impairments in nonverbal memory and visuoconstructive abilities, independent of benzodiazepine use. Nonetheless, we found evidence that chronic treatment with benzodiazepines is associated with intensification of select relative impairments in this realm. Documentation of these deficits raises questions about the broader etiology of neurocognitive impairment in PD as well as its impact on daily functioning. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Depression and Anxiety)

Who is likely to develop PTSD? A person-centered approach to understanding comorbidity in PTSD

Comprehensive Psychiatry — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:34:18 +0100

This study has significant bearing on predicting who is likely to develop PTSD in the population at large and, more fundamentally, in understanding the definition of PTSD as a disorder. (Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry)

Prevalence of lifetime DSM‐IV affective disorders among older African Americans, Black Caribbeans, Latinos, Asians and Non‐Hispanic White people

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThis study furthers our understanding of the racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of DSM‐IV disorders among older adults and the correlates of those disorders. It highlights the importance of examining both between‐group and within‐group differences in disorders and the complexity of the mechanisms associated with differences across groups. Findings from this study underscore the need for future research that more clearly delineates subgroup differences and similarities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)

Architecture student looking t…

ANXIETY UK News — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 12:07:14 +0100

Architecture student looking to explore sites & urban spaces from the perspective of Agoraphobia. To help her email hana.alsaleh@gmail.com. (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

Perception of racial discrimination and psychopathology across three U.S. ethnic minority groups.

Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

To examine the association between the perception of racial discrimination and the lifetime prevalence rates of psychological disorders in the three most common ethnic minorities in the United States, we analyzed data from a sample consisting of 793 Asian Americans, 951 Hispanic Americans, and 2,795 African Americans who received the Composite International Diagnostic Interview through the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Studies. The perception of racial discrimination was associated with the endorsement of major depressive disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, agoraphobia without history of panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders in varying degrees among the three minority groups, independent of the socioeconomic status, level of education, a...

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Correction to Gloster et al. (2011).

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Therapist-guided exposure is more effective for agoraphobic avoidance, overall functioning, and panic attacks in the follow-up period than is CBT without therapist-guided exposure. Therapist-guided exposure promotes additional therapeutic improvement—possibly mediated by increased physical engagement in feared situations—beyond the effects of a CBT treatment in which exposure is simply instructed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology)

Assessment and Management of Treatment-Resistance in Panic Disorder [CLINICAL SYNTHESIS]

FOCUS — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Panic disorder (PD) is a severe, persistant and potentially disabling anxiety disorder which affects 3.5 to 5% of individuals at some point. PD is characterized by one or more unexpected panic attacks followed by worry about additional attacks and/or the implications of the attacks. If attacks are sufficiently severe or frequent, they can promote marked, sometimes debilitating behavioral changes and avoidance (agoraphobia). We know from clinical experience and clinical trial outcomes that many PD sufferers are incompletely responsive to the initial treatment. Based on accruing evidence in the literature and clinical experience, inadequate treatment appears an important factor in treatment failure. In this article, strategies for optimizing PD treatment—including sufficient intensity ...

[Treatment of anxiety disorders in the elderly].

Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:48:02 +0100

Authors: Hendriks GJ, Keijsers GP, Kampman M, Verbraak MJ, Broekman TG, Hoogduin CA, Oude Voshaar RC Abstract summary background Although anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the elderly, they tend to be underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. aim To collect empirical evidence concerning the effectiveness of the treatment of anxiety disorders in the elderly. method Meta-analysis and randomised controlled trials. results Meta-analysis showed that cognitive behavioural therapy (cbt) was more successful than waiting-li...

Impact of stressful life events on the course of panic disorder in adults

Journal of Affective Disorders — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:39:46 +0100

Conclusions: These findings provide new insights into how SLEs affect panic symptoms in adults with PD/PDA in that household-related SLEs, such as serious family arguments, and work-related SLEs, such as being fired, put some adults at risk for worsened panic symptoms within 12-weeks of the event. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Comorbid physical health conditions and anxiety disorders: a population-based exploration of prevalence and health outcomes among older adults

General Hospital Psychiatry — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Health problems in older adults are associated with increased odds of anxiety, and this comorbidity is associated with poorer self-reported health than medical problems or anxiety alone. These findings have important clinical implications for health professionals. (Source: General Hospital Psychiatry)

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The contribution of work and non-work stressors to common mental disorders in the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey.

Psychological Medicine — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Non-work stressors do not appear to make people more susceptible to work stressors; both contribute to CMD. Tackling workplace stress is likely to benefit employee psychological health even if the employee's home life is stressful but interventions incorporating non-work stressors may also be effective. PMID: 21896237 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Gender specific associations of serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in anxiety.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Our results mirror preclinical findings indicating that gender plays a role in the association between BDNF and anxiety and suggest that BDNF might play a role in the pathophysiology of anxiety in women. PMID: 21888560 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)

Trends in psychopathology across the adolescent years: What changes when children become adolescents, and when adolescents become adults?

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Further study of changes in rates of disorder across developmental stages could inform etiological research and guide interventions. (Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry)

A study of the dimensionality and measurement precision of the SCL‐90‐R using item response theory

International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we found support for the multidimensionality of the SCL‐90‐R in a large sample of severely disturbed patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research)

Is sensory over‐responsivity distinguishable from childhood behavior problems? A phenotypic and genetic analysis

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 06:59:39 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that SOR occurs independently of recognized childhood psychiatric diagnoses but is also a relatively frequent comorbid condition with recognized diagnoses. Genetic sources of this comorbidity are implicated. (Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry)

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Assessing psychological flexibility: What does it add above and beyond existing constructs?

Psychological Assessment — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study aimed at extending current knowledge about PF by examining the construct in 2 help-seeking samples, including panic disorder with agoraphobia (n = 368), clinically relevant social phobia (n = 209), and 2 nonclinical samples including students (n = 495) and individuals visiting an employment office (n = 95). Results across all samples indicate that PF, as measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (2nd version; AAQ–II), is a unitary construct with a 1 factor model. PF correlated with other variables largely consistent with predictions, differentiated patients from healthy controls, and showed preliminary indications of treatment sensitivity. Incremental validity was partially demonstrated, especially for indices of functioning. Surprisingly, PF also explained unique va...

Emetophobia: a critical review about an understudied disorder

Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:07:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: More studies are needed for a better understanding of the epidemiology, clinical picture, etiology, classification and treatment of emetophobia. (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria)

A preliminary investigation of the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder on gastrointestinal distress in patients with comorbid panic disorder and irritable bowel syndrome

Depression and Anxiety — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although additional research still is needed, these preliminary findings suggest that CBT for PD/A can be used to simultaneously treat comorbid symptoms of PD/A and IBS. Implications for the neurobiological models for these comorbid conditions were discussed. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Depression and Anxiety)

Panic and flight: claustro‐agoraphobia in the consulting room

British Journal of Psychotherapy — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 05:29:31 +0100

abstractThis paper aims to illustrate Henri Rey's notion of the claustro‐agoraphobic ‘syndrome’. Two case studies focus on beginning (entering into) and leaving (coming out from) treatment since claustro‐agoraphobic anxieties tend to erupt with particular violence and clarity around these events, emerging in the transference and countertransference as struggles to settle and contain the patient in treatment. This process re‐evokes the patient's lifelong struggle with a merged maternal object as they are alternately overwhelmed by fears of being entrapped or entombed, their individuality threatened, or by fears of abandonment and disintegration. Caught between alternating terrors, survival becomes the overriding preoccupation around which they evolve the characteristic defences of...

Is the Beck Anxiety Inventory a good tool to assess the severity of anxiety? A primary care study in The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA)

BMC Family Practice — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results suggest that the BAI may be used as a severity indicator of anxiety in primary care patients with different anxiety disorders. However, because the instrument seems to reflect the severity of depression as well, it is not a suitable instrument to discriminate between anxiety and depression in a primary care population. (Source: BMC Family Practice)

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Determinants of pharmacodynamic trajectory of the therapeutic response to paroxetine in Japanese patients with panic disorder

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:00:30 +0100

Conclusion The present study revealed that plasma concentration of PAX, 5-HTTLPR genotype, -1019C/G 5-HT1A genotype, PAS score at baseline, and adverse effects may influence the therapeutic response to PAX in patients with PD. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00228-011-1073-9Authors Shin Ishiguro, Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga, Tochigi 321–0293, JapanTakashi Watanabe, Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga, Tochigi 321–0293, JapanMikito Ueda, Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga, Tochigi 321–0293, JapanYoshinori S...

AUK Volunteer on BBC Radio 5 Live

ANXIETY UK News — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:55:43 +0100

David a volunteer for Anxiety UK will be discussing Agoraphobia on BBC Radio 5 Live today from around 12:30pm. Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live tom…

ANXIETY UK News — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:55:43 +0100

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live tomorrow @ 12:30/12:45 to hear AUK vol David who has lived with agoraphobia for a number of http://t.co/fJ2H7nM (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

Heart rate after trauma and the specificity of fear circuitry disorders.

Psychological Medicine — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These data provide tentative evidence of a common mechanism underpinning the onset of fear circuitry disorders. PMID: 21672298 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Online Counseling for Anxiety & Depression

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:07:56 +0100

Online Counseling via Skype: Effective and Convenient.read more (Source: Psychology Today Anxiety Center)

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Age of onset, clinical characteristics, and 15-year course of anxiety disorders in a prospective, longitudinal, observational study

Journal of Affective Disorders — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:22:04 +0100

Conclusions: For some anxiety disorders, earlier age of onset appears to be associated with greater severity and worse course, as evidenced by increased risk of recurrence over 15years of follow-up. Early interventions focused on children and adolescents may alleviate some of the public health burden associated with anxiety disorders. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

An examination of the structure of posttraumatic stress disorder in relation to the anxiety and depressive disorders

Journal of Affective Disorders — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:21:59 +0100

Abstract: The nature and structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been the subject of much interest in recent times. This research has been represented by two streams, the first representing a substantive body of work which focuses specifically on the factor structure of PTSD and the second exploring PTSD's relationship with other mood and anxiety disorders. The present study attempted to bring these two streams together by examining structural models of PTSD and their relationship with dimensions underlying other mood and anxiety disorders. PTSD, anxiety and mood disorder data from 989 injury survivors interviewed 3-months following their injury were analyzed using a series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to identify the optimal structural model. CFA analyses indicated ...

Introduction: Fragmentation of the Unus Mundus

Journal of Analytical Psychology — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: This panel is a series of presentations by a father and his three sons. The first is a critique of the concept of the Unus Mundus, an idea that goes back at least as far as Plato's Cave in western intellectual history. A longing for unchanging foundational ideas lies at the core of much of our culture, psychology, and theology. The subsequent presentations describe various unforeseen, destructive results stemming from the perspective of the Unus Mundus. The first example is of persons with Alzheimer's disease, whose singular subjectivity is often ignored because they are seen as a category. They are ‘Alzheimer‐ed’, subtly enabling those around them to avoid an anxiety‐producing encounter with their enigmatic otherness. Another important perspective is the modernist...

Agoraphobia, infinite space, and epistemic rupture: Europe at the end of the 19th century

Journal of Analytical Psychology — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Analytical Psychology)

Prof Karina Lovell from Mcr Un…

ANXIETY UK News — Sat, 28 May 2011 03:16:38 +0100

Prof Karina Lovell from Mcr Uni hosting a live web-chat on agoraphobia & panic for AUK members on Wed 1st June 7-9 pm. http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

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Agoraphobia and panic attack webchat 1st June

ANXIETY UK News — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:32:11 +0100

Professor Karina Lovell from the University of Manchester will be hosting a live webchat on agoraphobia and panic attacks in the members chatroom on Wednesday 1st June 19.00 – 21.00. This chat session is available to paid Anxiety UK members only – to join online please click here. Professor Lovell has produced a free self [...] (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

Comorbidity and risk indicators for alcohol use disorders among persons with anxiety and/or depressive disorders: Findings from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA)

Journal of Affective Disorders — Sun, 15 May 2011 00:26:50 +0100

This study examines comorbidity of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence as well as its risk indicators among anxious and/or depressed persons, also considering temporal sequencing of disorders.Methods: Baseline data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) were used, including 2329 persons with lifetime DSM-IV anxiety (social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia) and/or depressive (major depressive disorder and dysthymia) disorders and 652 controls. Lifetime diagnoses of DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence were established, as well as information about socio-demographic, vulnerability, addiction-related and anxiety/depression-related characteristics. Temporal sequencing of disorders was established retrospectively, using age of onset.Res...

Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with chronic solvent induced encephalopathy (CSE).

Neurotoxicology — Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in this first large scale study in patients with CSE, prevalence rates of DSM IV mood and anxiety disorders were elevated as compared with those in the general community, while the prevalence rates of alcohol related disorders were reduced. Further study must determine whether CSE, and mood and anxiety disorders, share a same, solvent induced, neurobiological pathway, supporting the use of a more inclusive diagnostic approach. Additionally, randomised controlled trials are needed for the urgent issue of how to treat mood and anxiety disorders in CSE patients effectively. PMID: 21609732 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurotoxicology)

Aversive Imagery in Panic Disorder: Agoraphobia Severity, Comorbidity, and Defensive Physiology

Biological Psychiatry — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Principal panic disorder may represent initial, heightened interoceptive fearfulness and concomitant defensive hyperactivity, which through progressive generalization of anticipatory anxiety ultimately transitions to a disorder of pervasive agoraphobic apprehension and avoidance, broad dysphoria, and compromised mobilization for defensive action. (Source: Biological Psychiatry)

Risk factors for early treatment discontinuation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Clinics — Fri, 06 May 2011 18:47:38 +0100

This study aimed to investigate the clinical correlates of early treatment discontinuation among obsessive-compulsive disorder patients. METHODS: A group of patients who stopped taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or stopped participating in cognitive behavioral therapy before completion of the first twelve weeks (total n = 41; n = 16 for cognitive behavioral therapy and n = 25 for SSRIs) were compared with a paired sample of compliant patients (n = 41). Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained at baseline using structured clinical interviews. Chisquare and Mann-Whitney tests were used when indicated. Variables presenting a p value

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Singer with agoraphobia raises awareness of condition

ANXIETY UK News — Wed, 04 May 2011 06:48:12 +0100

Jemma Pixie Hixon is the YouTube sensation who has achieved world wide attention for her musical achievements despite not leaving the house for more than two years due to agoraphobia. Many may have seen her videos, where she sings popular songs such as hits from Rhianna and Cheryl Cole. Jemma highlights how agoraphobia can affect a [...] (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

VIDEO: Panic attack singer starts treatment

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 03 May 2011 08:47:41 +0100

A 20-year-old Jemma Pixie Hixon is an internet singing sensation but because she suffers from agoraphobia she cannot leave her home. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Psychological treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia: A randomized controlled trial to examine the role of therapist-guided exposure in situ in CBT.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Joint hypermobility syndrome is a risk factor trait for anxiety disorders: a 15-year follow-up cohort study

General Hospital Psychiatry — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The objective of the study was to assess whether joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a risk factor for developing anxiety disorders using a 15-year prospective cohort study.Method: The initial cohort recruited 158 subjects aged 16 to 20 years from the general population in a Spanish rural town. The cohort was studied at baseline and at a 15-year follow-up. Joint hypermobility syndrome was assessed using Beighton's criteria, and the psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Disorders. Subjects with anxiety disorders at baseline were excluded from the follow-up.Results: Joint hypermobility syndrome at baseline was found in 29 of 158 subjects (21.1%). Cumulative incidence of panic/ag...

Agoraphobia: When you're a prisoner of your own fears

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 01:45:00 +0100

Agoraphobia — Comprehensive overview covers agoraphobia symptoms, treatment and coping techniques for this anxiety disorder. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

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VIDEO: 'I haven't left my house for two years'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:40:26 +0100

Singer Jemma Pixie Hixon has more than 2 million hits on YouTube for her music but has been unable to leave her house for two years due to agoraphobia (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Is there a hypersensitive visual alarm system in panic disorder?

Psychiatry Research — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:09:05 +0100

Abstract: Agoraphobia in panic disorder (PD) has been related to abnormal balance system function. Vision influences balance and behavioural adaptations; peripheral vision influences orienting and fast defensive reactions whereas central vision analyzes details of objects. We have hypothesized that the abnormal balance function in PD could be mainly related to peripheral vision as part of a defensive alarm system in the brain. In 25 patients with PD and agoraphobia and 31 healthy controls we assessed, by posturography, balance system reactivity to video-films projected in peripheral and central visual fields (randomized sequence). Length, velocity and surface of body sway were calculated. Patients increased their body sway during peripheral stimulation, whereas controls did not; the two gr...

Panic disorder and its subtypes: a comprehensive analysis of panic symptom heterogeneity using epidemiological and treatment seeking samples.

Psychological Medicine — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Results from epidemiologic and clinical samples suggest two panic subtypes, with one subtype characterized by a respiratory component and a second class typified by general somatic symptoms. Results are discussed in light of their relevance to the etiopathogenesis of PD. PMID: 21557895 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Validation of the diagnoses of panic disorder and phobic disorders in the US National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent (NCS‐A) supplement

International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractValidity of the adolescent version of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) Version 3.0, a fully‐structured research diagnostic interview designed to be used by trained lay interviewers, is assessed in comparison to independent clinical diagnoses based on the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐age Children (K‐SADS). This assessment is carried out in the clinical reappraisal sub‐sample (n = 347) of the US National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent (NCS‐A) supplement, a large (n = 10,148) community epidemiological survey of the prevalence and correlates of adolescent mental disorders in the United States. The diagnoses considered are panic disorder and phobic disorders (social phobia, specific phobia...

The association between psychological factors and the development of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS1) – A prospective multicenter study

European Journal of Pain — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between psychological factors and complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS1). A prospective multicenter cohort study was performed involving the emergency room of three hospitals, and patients age 18years or older, with a single fracture, were included in the study. At baseline (T0), participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic, psychological (Symptom Checklist-90), and medical variables. At plaster removal (T1) and at T2, the participants completed a questionnaire addressing symptoms of CRPS1. Psychological factors that were analysed were agoraphobia, depression, somatization, insufficiency, (interpersonal) sensitivity, insomnia, and life events. In total, 596 consecutive patients were included in the study, ...

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Obsessive beliefs and neurocognitive flexibility in obsessive–compulsive disorder

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:06:16 +0100

Abstract: A substantial proportion of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not endorse the dysfunctional beliefs proposed by cognitive models of OCD to be important in the onset and maintenance of symptoms. Previous research has attempted to characterize Low and High obsessive beliefs groups in terms of cognitive and symptom correlates to distil potential etiological differences in these subgroups of OCD patients. The current study sought to further examine potential neurocognitive differences between obsessive beliefs subgroups. Performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was compared between a Low Beliefs OCD subgroup, a High Beliefs OCD subgroup, and two anxious control groups: Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia (PDA) and Social Phobia (SP). The High Beliefs OC...

Understanding and Managing Your Controlling Mother

Psych Central — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:30:21 +0100

You are 35 years old and your mom is still trying to run your life. She doesn’t approve of your boyfriend. She thinks your best friend is taking advantage of you. She comments on your weight. She “suggests” that you rearrange your living room and “insists” that she doesn’t want to be a bother — but — why haven’t you called her in the last 48 hours? She feigns illness, goes helpless around household chores you know she can do, and implies you aren’t a good daughter if you have other plans for your weekend besides going shopping at the mall with her. You know she is able to take care of herself. You know that she isn’t sick. At 60, she manages a demanding full-time job. She is still strong enough to keep her woodstove going in winter and to give the entire hous...

Predictors of outcome of pharmacological and psychological treatment of late‐life panic disorder with agoraphobia

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In late‐life agoraphobic panic disorder, chronological age has no impact on treatment modality outcome. In older patients with a late disease onset or shorter duration of illness, CBT is to be preferred over paroxetine, whereas paroxetine might be the treatment of choice for older people with an early onset and short duration of illness. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)

Panic-attack-induced transient leukocytosis in a healthy male: a case report

General Hospital Psychiatry — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The lifetime prevalence of panic attacks is 28.3% in American adults 18 years and older. The age of onset of panic attack extends throughout adulthood; however, it typically develops in early adulthood, with median age of onset of 22 years [Kessler R.C., Chiu W.T., Jin R., Ruscio A.M., Shear K., Walters E.E. The epidemiology of panic attacks, panic disorder, and agoraphobia in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Apr;63(4):415–24.]. As reported in our case, panic attacks could induce transient leukocytosis in healthy adults. If practitioners recognize this association, expensive investigations and extensive hospital stays may be prevented, although prudent practice would likely still require some type of investigations. (Source: General Hospita...

Are sedentary television watching and computer use behaviors associated with anxiety and depressive disorders?

Psychiatry Research — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:41:43 +0100

This study examined whether independently of general physical activity level, mental disorders are linked to two important examples of sedentary behavior: computer use and watching television. We used cross-sectional data from The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). Our study sample consisted of 2353 participants (age 18–65) of whom 1701 had a current anxiety and/or depressive diagnosis and 652 were healthy controls. Anxiety and depression diagnoses were conducted using the DSM-IV based Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Controlling for sociodemographics and physical activity level we found that persons with a major depressive disorder (MDD) spend significantly more leisure time using the computer. We found that persons with dysthymia, panic disorder and agora...

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How to Stop Panic Attacks & Panic Anxiety

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:08:21 +0100

It's the fear of the panic attack that makes it so overwhelming. Mindfulness Therapy teaches you how to change the way you relate to Panic Anxiety.read more (Source: Psychology Today Anxiety Center)

Efficacy of alprazolam sublingual tablets in the treatment of the acute phase of panic disorders.

Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Alprazolam has been demonstrated to have efficacy, safety and good tolerability in the treatment of the acute phase of panic disorder, the sublingual tablets showing some comparative advantages. Key words: Alprazolam. Panic Disorders. Sublingual tablets. Panic attack. PMID: 21404147 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria)

Psychiatric history and subthreshold symptoms as predictors of the occurrence of depressive or anxiety disorder within 2 years [PAPERS]

The British Journal of Psychiatry — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions A history and subthreshold symptoms independently predicted the subsequent occurrence of depressive or anxiety disorder. Together these two characteristics provide reasonable discriminative value. Whereas anxiety predicted the occurrence of an anxiety disorder only, depression predicted the occurrence of both depressive and anxiety disorders. (Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry)

Understanding and Managing Your Controlling Mother

Psych Central — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:02:20 +0100

You are 35 years old and your mom is still trying to run your life. She doesn’t approve of your boyfriend. She thinks your best friend is taking advantage of you. She comments on your weight. She “suggests” that you rearrange your living room and “insists” that she doesn’t want to be a bother — but — why haven’t you called her in the last 48 hours? She feigns illness, goes helpless around household chores you know she can do, and implies you aren’t a good daughter if you have other plans for your weekend besides going shopping at the mall with her. You know she is able to take care of herself. You know that she isn’t sick. At 60, she manages a demanding full-time job. She is still strong enough to keep her wood stove going in winter and to give the entire hous...

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder, Free-Running Type in a Sighted Male with Severe Depression, Anxiety, and Agoraphobia

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:50:08 +0100

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, free-running type (CRSD, FRT) is a disorder in which the intrinsic circadian rhythm is no longer entrained to the 24-hour schedule. A unique case of CRSD, FRT in a 67-year-old sighted male is presented. The patient had a progressively delayed time in bed (TIB) each night, so that he would cycle around the 24-h clock approximately every 30 days. This was meticulously documented each night by the patient over the course of 22 years. The patient’s CRSD, FRT was associated with severe depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia. The agoraphobia may have exacerbated the CRSD, FRT. Entrainment and stabilization of his circadian rhythm was accomplished after treatment that included melatonin, light therapy, and increased sleep structure. Keywords: Circadian rhythm...

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Attentional bias in untreated panic disorder

Psychiatry Research — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 02:52:28 +0100

This study therefore examined cognitive bias in an untreated sample of participants with panic disorder (PD). A sample of 23 untreated participants with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PPD) and 22 healthy controls (HC) were tested with a Facial Expression Recognition task featuring different emotional intensities, a Faces Dot Probe task, a Self Beliefs task and an Emotional Stroop task. PPD showed exaggerated attentional biases to negative face and word stimuli in two different paradigms and endorsed more panic-related and negative self-attributions. They also showed enhanced perception of facial expressions of sadness. These tasks are sensitive to cognitive bias in a community-based sample of untreated PD participants. Attentional biases in panic disorder cannot be explained b...

Panic Disorders: Part 1

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:56:07 +0100

The Spectrum of Disorders Associated with Panic Panic attacks are among the most terrifying experiences a person can have. Panic disorders include panic with and without agoraphobia, simple phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and perhaps social phobias.read more (Source: Psychology Today Anxiety Center)

Separation anxiety disorder in OCD

Depression and Anxiety — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A history of SAD is associated with anxiety disorders and dependent personality disorder traits in individuals with OCD. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Depression and Anxiety)

Anxiety disorders in headache patients in a specialised clinic: prevalence and symptoms in comparison to patients in a general neurological clinic

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:55:19 +0100

In this study, we assessed and differentiated anxiety disorders in 100 headache patients by using the PSWQ (Penn State Worry Questionnaire) screening tool for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and the ACQ (Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire) and BSQ (Body Sensation Questionnaire) for panic disorder (PD). Control groups were constructed: (1) on the basis of epidemiological studies on PD and GAD in the general population and (2) by including neurological patients. 37.0% of headache patients had a GAD. 27% of headache patients met the score for PD in the BSQ, 4.0% in the ACQ. Significant results were obtained in comparison to the general population (p < 0.001) and with regard to GAD in comparison with a sample of neurological patients (p < 0.005). The BSQ sig...

Help for Panic Attacks and Panic Anxiety

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:07:00 +0100

Panic disorder affects between 3 and 6 million Americans, and is twice as common in women. We all experience panic at some time in our lives, but those suffering from panic disorder experience panic attacks on a daily basis, and this form of anxiety can severely reduce the quality of life, making even simple activities like grocery shopping unmanageable. In its most severe form this crippling form of anxiety can lead to agoraphobia, a very intense fear of going beyond the safety zone of one’s own home. In such severe cases, it is wise to seek medical help. One of the characteristics of panic anxiety is the intense fear of the panic attack itself. Sufferers are deathly afraid of the next panic attack and the sense of losing control, and the social embarrassment that that will bring. Some ...

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National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) update Anxiety Guidelines

ANXIETY UK News — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:35:33 +0100

The updated guidelines for managing generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) have been released this week, providing updates to the evidence-based advice on the care and treatment of adults with GAD or panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia). GAD can be defined as a disorder in which the sufferer feels in a constant state of high anxiety [...] (Source: ANXIETY UK News)

(Don't) panic in the scanner! How panic patients with agoraphobia experience a functional magnetic resonance imaging session

European Neuropsychopharmacology — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Although functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has gained increasing importance in investigating neural substrates of anxiety disorders, less is known about the stress eliciting properties of the scanner environment itself. The aim of the study was to investigate feasibility, self-reported distress and anxiety management strategies during an fMRI experiment in a comprehensive sample of patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD/AG). Within the national research network PANIC-NET, n=89 patients and n=90 controls participated in a multicenter fMRI study. Subjects completed a retrospective questionnaire on self-reported distress, including a habituation profile and exploratory questions about helpful strategies. Drop-out rates and fMRI quality parameters were employed a...

NICE Updates Guidance On Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0100

NICE has published an update to its recommendations on the management of anxiety, originally published in December 2004. The 2004 NICE guidance included the care of adults who have panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) or generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). This update only covers the recommendations on the management of adults with a diagnosis of GAD. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition that can be recognised by chronic, excessive worry about a number of different events associated with heightened tension... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Association between recent stressful life events and prevalence of depression, anxiety and PTSD differs according to exposure to childhood adversity

Evidence-Based Mental Health — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Evidence-Based Mental Health)

Parent-child CBT reduces anxiety disorders among children aged 4-7 years

Evidence-Based Mental Health — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Evidence-Based Mental Health)

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How to Halt and Minimize Panic Attacks

Psych Central — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:15:24 +0100

Experiencing a panic attack can be scary. While panic attacks vary among individuals, attacks tend to share similar symptoms. People feel as if they have zero control over their bodies. Their hearts pound, they feel dizzy or faint, and they suffer from an intense sense of nervousness. They become short of breath, start to sweat, shake or feel uncomfortable in general. Many people report thinking they’re “going crazy.” People may also mistake the symptoms of a panic attack for those of a heart attack. Panic attacks are fairly common. Some people experience panic attacks on a regular basis and are diagnosed with panic disorder. Roughly six million Americans experience panic disorder every year. But there are ways you can prevent a panic attack from escalating or minimize attacks in gen...

Relationship of cognitions and symptoms of agoraphobia in Hong Kong Chinese: A combined quantitative and qualitative study.

The International Journal of Social Psychiatry — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The central theme to emerge from the qualitative data was that agoraphobia is a clinical condition that has a close relationship to Chinese cultural factors. 'Fear of making others worried and being a burden to others' is a new concept in agoraphobia worthy of further study. PMID: 21220353 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Social Psychiatry)

The structure of genetic and environmental risk factors for phobias in women.

Psychological Medicine — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Phobias are highly co-morbid and heritable. Our results suggest that the co-morbidity between phobias is best explained by two distinct liability factors rather than a single factor, as has been assumed in most previous multivariate twin analyses. One of these factors was specific to the simple phobias, while the other was more general. Blood phobia was mainly influenced by disorder specific genetic factors. PMID: 21211096 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

A Time-Series Study of the Treatment of Panic Disorder

Clinical Case Studies — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

This study supports effectiveness of implementing a CBT approach to the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia among complex patients. Treatment implications and applications are discussed. (Source: Clinical Case Studies)

Prevalence and associations of anxiety disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Anxiety disorders are common in the ID population. At times of significant life events, it might be sensible for carers to consider proactively providing additional support and being vigilant to seek early health‐care interventions should there be any suggestion of emerging mental ill‐health. The study further highlights the range of mental ill‐health that is experienced by the population with IDs, and therefore the need for appropriate care, supports and development of effective interventions. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

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Factors associated with risk of suicide in patients with hemodialysis

Comprehensive Psychiatry — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study has the objective of investigating the relationship between the risk factors for suicidal behavior in patient bearers of chronic renal illness who are undertaking hemodialysis treatment. Sixty-nine undertook a short, structured diagnostic interview. The prevalence of some psychiatric disorders showed itself greater in the sample than that in the population in general. A significant positive correlation was found between SR, major depressive episode, and agoraphobia without panic disorder. The religiosity of the patient was also evaluated as an influencing factor of SR. Nonreligious patients had 8 times more chance to have SR compared to religious patients. However, the referred effect only occurred in nondepressed religious patients. The latter indicated that religiosity had its...

High prevalence of comorbidity of migraine in outpatients with panic disorder and effectiveness of psychopharmacotherapy for both disorders: A retrospective open label study

Psychiatry Research — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:15:57 +0100

Abstract: We investigated the comorbidity rate of migraine in outpatients with panic disorder, and the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for both disorders. Fifty-four patients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for panic disorder were recruited in the study. Forty-three patients were female, and their age ranged from 20 to 71 (38.8±11.2; mean±S.D.) years. Forty-one patients had agoraphobia. In these patients, we diagnosed migraine and other types of headache, using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second Edition (ICHD-II). Forty-three (79.6%) patients were diagnosed as having some type of headache; 33 (61.1%) migraine, 32 tension-type headache, and one cluster headache. In patients with m...

Comparing the rates of mental disorders among different linguistic groups in a representative Canadian population

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:23:45 +0100

Conclusions The differences observed in the reported crude rates for the presence of mental disorders across the different linguistic groups in Canada were explained by socio-demographic, economic, and factors such as immigration, spoke a third language and province of residence, and not explained by language of interview. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00127-010-0329-5Authors Helen-Maria Vasiliadis, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC CanadaMarje Lepnurm, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK CanadaRaymond Tempier, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK CanadaViviane Kovess-Masfety, Paris Descartes University, EHESP (School of Higher Studies in Public ...

[Possible Subtypes of Panic Disorder.]

Turkish Journal of Psychiatry — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:00:07 +0100

CONCLUSION: It should be considered that the panic attack symptoms in DSM-IV-TR are insufficient to determine the panic disorder subtypes that are based on symptom profiles. The determination of subtypes could contribute in prognosis of disorder and studies about treatment methods. PMID: 21125502 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Turkish Journal of Psychiatry)

Anxiety disorders, depressive episodes and cognitive impairment no dementia in community‐dwelling older men and women

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThese results suggest that in community‐dwelling elders, GAD is the main anxiety disorder associated with poor global cognitive functioning. Moreover, this association is modified by sex, but not by the presence of depressive episodes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)

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Psychiatric disorders and functional impairment among disaster victims after exposure to a natural disaster: A population based study

Journal of Affective Disorders — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:16:17 +0100

Conclusions: Depression and anxiety disorders were common among disaster victims 2.5years after the 2004 tsunami. Psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, especially depressive disorders, are of clinical importance when considering long-term mental health effect of disasters. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Cybertherapy, placebos and the Dodo effect: Why psychotherapies never get better

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:05:00 +0100

When the media report on a new diet that supposedly helps people lose weight once and for all, I wonder, "Does anyone still believe these claims, given the dismal track record of diets?" I have the same reaction to new treatments for psychological disorders, such as "cybertherapy."In a long, lavishly illustrated article in The New York Times , Benedict Carey reported that psychotherapists are harnessing virtual reality for treating social anxiety disorder, alcoholism, agoraphobia, gambling addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and a host of other mental ailments. Therapists can, in effect, place an alcoholic in a bar, an acrophobe in a rooftop party and someone who fears public speaking in front of a large, restless audience. They then can manipulate the virtual env...

A new paradigm (Westphal-Paradigm) to study the neural correlates of panic disorder with agoraphobia

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:05:06 +0100

Abstract Agoraphobia (with and without panic disorder) is a highly prevalent and disabling anxiety disorder. Its neural complexity can be characterized by specific cues in fMRI studies. Therefore, we developed a fMRI paradigm with agoraphobia-specific stimuli. Pictures of potential agoraphobic situations were generated. Twenty-six patients, suffering from panic disorder and agoraphobia, and 22 healthy controls rated the pictures with respect to arousal, valence, and agoraphobia-related anxiety. The 96 pictures, which discriminated best between groups were chosen, split into two parallel sets and supplemented with matched neutral pictures from the International Affective Picture System. Reliability, criterion, and construct validity of the picture set were determined in a s...

Explaining heterogeneity in disability associated with current major depressive disorder: Effects of illness characteristics and comorbid mental disorders

Journal of Affective Disorders — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:52:19 +0100

Conclusions: Although heterogeneity in disability of persons with current MDD is partially explained by illness characteristics of MDD (especially symptom severity) and comorbid mental disorders, most of the variance is not accounted for. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Help for the Holidays

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:12:24 +0100

Bipolar Disorder isn't the only condition that makes life difficult during the holidays. Here's a roundup of advice for dealing with many other conditions: Agoraphobia Alcoholism Allergies Arthritis Borderline Personality Disorder Depression Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Grief Infertility Miscarriage Overweight PTSD Social Anxiety Disorder Seniors' issues Seasonal Affective Disorder Stress All this at Help for the Holidays. Photo: ilco / stock.xchng. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn more or join the conversation! NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | FACEBOOK | TWITTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Help for the Holidays originally appeared on About.com Bipolar Disorder on Mon...

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Examining Autobiographical Memory Content in Patients with Depression and Anxiety Disorders.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Witheridge KS, Cabral CM, Rector NA The purpose of this study was to move beyond the traditional specificity model of autobiographical memory (ABM) and to examine the content of memories with a focus on disorder and schema-relevant content. The sample (N = 82) included 25 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 24 with social phobia (SP), and 33 with panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) who were referred to a large outpatient clinic for group treatment of depression or anxiety. Participants completed the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) and Beck Depression Inventory-II as part of the clinical intake process. Responses to the AMT were coded for disorder-specific content based on diagnostic criteria for each disorder as well as for schema-relevant (sociotropy vs. aut...

Depersonalization and personality in panic disorder

Comprehensive Psychiatry — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A high prevalence of depersonalization symptoms and depersonalization disorder was confirmed in patients with panic disorder, supporting a dosage effect model for understanding depersonalization pathology. Self-transcendence trait and severity of panic disorder were reported as risk factors for depersonalization disorder. (Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry)

Comorbidities and factors related to discontinuation of pharmacotherapy among outpatients with major depressive disorder

Comprehensive Psychiatry — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The impact of the duration of depression (chronic depression) on adherence may be more important than the severity of depression, anxiety comorbidities, and migraine. Education of MDD patients and society in general to improve understanding of MDD and antidepressants is needed to enhance adherence to pharmacotherapy. (Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry)

CBT, SSRI or both are similarly effective for panic disorder 1-year post-treatment

Evidence-Based Mental Health — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Evidence-Based Mental Health)

Prevalence, overlap, and correlates of anxiety disorders in the US National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A)

Comprehensive Psychiatry — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:04:04 +0100

Anxiety disorders are among the most commonly occurring psychiatric disorders in youth and display a great degree of overlap both concurrently and across the life course. Work has also shown that the prevalence of anxiety disorders may vary across sex and age. However, no previous research has examined the prevalence, characteristics, and comorbidity of anxiety disorders using a nationally representative sample. The National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement is a nationally representative face-to-face survey of 10 148 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. A dual sampling design was used in which participants were selected from households and schools between February 2001 and January 2004. Anxiety disorders were assessed using a modification of a fully structured diagnostic ...

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Long-term psychopathology changes among the injured and members of the community after a massive terrorist attack. - Ferrando L, Galea S, Sainz Cortón E, Mingote C, García Camba E, Fernandez Líria A, Gabriel R.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 09:20:09 +0100

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To document long-term prevalence trends and changes in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Current Major Depression (MD), Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Panic Disorder, in two groups of people with different lev... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Joint Hypermobility and Anxiety: The State of the Art

Current Psychiatry Reports — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:34:01 +0100

This article summarizes all published studies on JHS and anxiety, analyzing the main results and limitations. An overview of the etiologic explanation of the association between JH and anxiety, with special focus on genetic findings, is also included. The most relevant conclusions are the following: JHS is more prevalent in individuals with panic disorder/agoraphobia, and patients with JHS present with greater prevalence of panic disorder/agoraphobia. In addition, there is an association between JHS severity and severity of anxiety, and mitral valve prolapse plays a secondary role in the association between JHS and anxiety. New fields of research based on these data are suggested. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11920-010-0164-0Authors Javier Garcia-Campayo, Departmen...

Catastrophic misinterpretations as a predictor of symptom change during treatment for panic disorder.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results provide considerable support for the cognitive model of panic and speak to the temporal sequence of change processes during therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder: results from the international mood disorders collaborative project.

Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:40:05 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The overarching findings herein are that the adult ADHD phenotype is commonly reported by individuals with MDD or bipolar disorder and is associated with a greater illness burden and complexity. PMID: 20944770 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry)

Étude exploratoire des attitudes envers l'activité physique chez les sujets souffrant d'un trouble panique. / Exploratory study of the attitudes towards physical-activity of subjects suffering from panic disorder.

Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to assess the attitude of panic disorder patients with and without agoraphobia (PD/A) concerning physical activities. Self-report instruments were used to compare 141 PD/A subjects (68 being in remission of their symptoms) to 172 control subjects. Results indicated that PD/A subjects are more prone to apprehend physical sensations related to the practise of physical activities, more specifically tachycardia, vertigo and hot flushes. They also tend to fear that those symptoms could generate negative consequences. In comparison with control subjects, PD/A subjects find the practise of aerobic physical activities harder and less pleasurable. PD/A subjects considered in remission could present a cognitive style likely to maintain a vulnerability to recurrence of sympt...

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Long-term psychopathology changes among the injured and members of the community after a massive terrorist attack.

European Psychiatry — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Two months after the event, the prevalence of mental disorders among both injured and residents was higher than expected levels at baseline conditions. Eighteen months after the event, psychopathological conditions did not change significantly among the injured but returned to the expected baseline rates among community residents. PMID: 20943349 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Psychiatry)

[Psychiatric manifestation of a dengue-encephalopathy.]

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rittmannsberger H, Foff C, Doppler S, Pichler R Psychiatric manifestation of dengue virus infections is seldom reported. Here a case is presented of a 21-year-old man who developed mainly neuropsychiatric symptoms which he caught one week after a feverish infection during his stay in India: troubles with concentration and memory, confusion, as well as depressive delusions and agoraphobia. Liquor diagnosis as well as CCT and MRI was mainly inconspicuous. The FDG-PET showed a diffuse lack of activity. IgM and IgG antibodies of dengue virus were positive. We interpreted these psychiatric symptoms as a result of a dengue virus infection. PMID: 20924690 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift)

Nonhomogeneous results in place learning among panic disorder patients with agoraphobia

Psychiatry Research — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:32:51 +0100

Abstract: Patients affected by panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) often suffer from visuo-spatial disturbances. In the present study, we tested the place-learning abilities in a sample of 31 PDA patients compared to 31 healthy controls (CTR) using the computer-generated arena (C-G Arena), a desktop-based computer program developed at the University of Arizona (Jacobs et al 1997, for further detail about the program, see http://web.arizona.edu/~arg/data.html). Subjects were asked to search the computer-generated space, over several trials, for the location of a hidden target. Results showed that control subjects rapidly learned to locate the invisible target and consistently returned to it, while PDA patients were divided in two subgroups: some of them (PDA-A) were as good as controls in...

In Vivo Sessions Better With Therapist Present: Panic disorder and agoraphobia patients can improve without strict adherence to CBT manual.

Clinical Psychiatry News — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Major Finding: Patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia had better outcomes on global functioning, agoraphobic avoidance, and numbers of panic attacks when accompanied by the therapist during exposure sessions, versus preparing the patient for a solo experience. An accompanying study found no need for therapists to strictly adhere to the CBT manual when treating these patients. (Source: Clinical Psychiatry News)

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Respiratory and cognitive mediators of treatment change in panic disorder: Evidence for intervention specificity.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The findings suggest that reductions in panic symptom severity can be achieved through different pathways, consistent with the underlying models. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology)

The association of personality disorders with the prospective 7-year course of anxiety disorders.

Psychological Medicine — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that specific PD diagnoses have negative prognostic significance for the course of anxiety disorders underscoring the importance of assessing and considering PD diagnoses in patients with anxiety disorders. PMID: 20836909 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Borderline personality disorder co-morbidity: relationship to the internalizing-externalizing structure of common mental disorders.

Psychological Medicine — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The complex patterns of co-morbidity observed with BPD represent connections to other disorders at the level of latent internalizing and externalizing dimensions. BPD is meaningfully connected with liabilities shared with common mental disorders, and these liability dimensions provide a beneficial focus for understanding the co-morbidity, etiology and treatment of BPD. PMID: 20836905 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Making Friends: When should I disclose my emotional baggage?

Psychology Today Relationships Center — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 04:55:16 +0100

QUESTIONDear Irene:I have difficulty making new friends because of all of the heavy stuff I have to reveal to them.I've tried two basic approaches. The first is the "early hook:" making a good first impression. What I mean is that upon first talking to someone, I'm uncharacteristically pleasant, relaxed, and outgoing. I push aside my histories, my daily anxieties, and so on, because I don't want to throw things out there that could turn the person off and risk me losing my chance at friendship. Initially I focus on them and try not to reveal too much about myself, instead letting them take the mic with me as the patient listener.When I feel ready to let the friendship grow closer, I have no other choice but to let them see all the psychological problems I'm going through, which include eat...

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Attenuation of fear-like response by escitalopram treatment after electrical stimulation of the midbrain dorsolateral periaqueductal gray.

Experimental Neurology — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lim LW, Blokland A, Tan S, Vlamings R, Sesia T, Mohammadi MA, Visser-Vandewalle V, Steinbusch HW, Schruers K, Temel Y Electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) has frequently been shown to induce escape and freezing/decreased locomotion responses which mimic panic- and fear-like behaviour. In the present study we tested whether such spontaneous fear-like behaviour could be observed in an open field test 12 h after dlPAG stimulation. Further, we tested whether this fear-like behaviour could be attenuated by acute or chronic administration of buspirone and escitalopram. Our data demonstrate for the first time that animals showed fear-like behaviour 12 h after dlPAG stimulation, which may possibly reflect panic disorder with anticipatory anxiety/agora...

Restless legs syndrome as a possible predictor for psychiatric disorders in parents of children with ADHD

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:57:36 +0100

Abstract Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder with estimated prevalence of 5% in children and 3.4% in adults. Psychiatric disorders are a frequent concomitant feature. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the presence of RLS predicts occurrence of psychiatric disorders in parents of children with ADHD. Thirty-seven parents of 26 children with ADHD were examined for RLS and for lifetime prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders and personality disorders based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnoses (SCID). Prevalence rates in parents were 29.7% for RLS, 67.6% for Axis I and 40.5% for Axis II disorders. Mothers revealed higher rates for depression, anxiety di...

Parental history of depression or anxiety and the cortisol awakening response [PAPERS]

The British Journal of Psychiatry — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:00:51 +0100

Conclusions Unaffected individuals with parental history of depression or anxiety showed a higher cortisol awakening curve, similar to that of the participants with depression or anxiety disorders. This suggests that a higher cortisol awakening curve reflects a trait marker, indicating an underlying biological vulnerability for the development of depressive and anxiety disorders. (Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry)

Panic disorder and subthreshold panic in the UK general population: Epidemiology, comorbidity and functional limitation.

European Psychiatry — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The findings show that efforts to reduce the disability associated with psychiatric disorders should include detection and management of panic disorder. PMID: 20813508 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Psychiatry)

Comorbid anxiety disorders and treatment of depression in people with multiple sclerosis.

Rehabilitation Psychology — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: People with GAD receiving treatment for depression may benefit from additional services targeting anxiety more specifically, while those with comorbid fear disorders may benefit from services targeting maintenance of gains after treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Rehabilitation Psychology)

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Anxiogenic properties of a computer simulation for panic disorder with agoraphobia

Journal of Affective Disorders — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 06:20:44 +0100

Conclusions: This study indicated that CS exposure may induce anxiety, electrodermal and respiratory alterations in patients with PDA. CS exposure may be a useful tool in the research and treatment of PD patients. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

NICE Consults On Draft Recommendations For Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 +0100

NICE is currently updating existing guidance published in December 2004 on the management of anxiety. As part of this process, draft recommendations have been published on the NICE website for public consultation. The 2004 NICE guidance included the care of adults who have panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) or generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). This update only covers the recommendations on the management of adults with a diagnosis of GAD... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

NICE issues partial update of clinical guidance on anxiety for consultation

NeLM - News — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued a draft clinical practice guideline on "Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) in adults: management in primary, secondary and community care." The guidance is a partial update of NICE clinical guideline 22 (published 2004, amended 2007). The recommendations for the treatment and management of generalised anxiety disorder have been updated. With the exception of recommendation 1.4.37, the recommendations for the treatment and management of panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) have not been updated. Pharmacological management has been outlined on pages 16 to 21 of the short version of the guideline. The consultation period ...

A randomized, controlled trial of aerobic exercise in combination with paroxetine in the treatment of panic disorder.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. While paroxetine was superior to placebo, aerobic exercise did not differ from relaxation training in most efficacy measures. PMID: 20602575 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)

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Sex difference in the rates and co-occurring conditions of psychiatric symptoms in incoming college students in Taiwan

Comprehensive Psychiatry — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The Chinese version of the Adult Self Report Inventory–4 identified similar sex difference in psychiatric symptoms as Western studies. The sex difference in co-occurring psychiatric conditions warrants further investigation. (Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry)

Internet- versus group-administered cognitive behaviour therapy for panic disorder in a psychiatric setting: a randomised trial

BMC Psychiatry - Latest articles — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study provides support for the effectiveness of Internet CBT in a psychiatric setting for patients with panic disorder, and suggests that it is equally effective as the more widely used group administered CBT in reducing panic- and agoraphobic symptoms, as well as being more cost effective with respect to therapist time.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00845260 (Source: BMC Psychiatry - Latest articles)

Expanding the limits of bibliotherapy for panic disorder: randomized trial of self-help without support but with a clear deadline.

Behavior Therapy — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:33:48 +0100

In this study, participants were randomized to either unassisted bibliotherapy (n=20) with a scheduled follow-up telephone interview or to a waiting list control group (n=19). Following a structured psychiatric interview, participants in the treatment group were sent a self-help book consisting of 10 chapters based on cognitive behavioral strategies for the treatment of panic disorder. No therapist contact of any kind was provided during the treatment phase, which lasted for 10 weeks. Results showed that the treatment group had, in comparison to the control group, improved on all outcome measures at posttreatment and at 3-month follow-up. The tentative conclusion drawn from these results is that pure bibliotherapy with a clear deadline can be effective for people suffering from panic disor...

Attributions for relatives' behavior and perceived criticism: studies with community participants and patients with anxiety disorders.

Behavior Therapy — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:33:15 +0100

Authors: Chambless DL, Blake KD, Simmons RA The relationship between perceived criticism from one's relative and attributions about that relative's behavior was examined in two studies. In Study 1, 50 community couples volunteered to participate in a study of marital interaction. Participants rated their interaction-specific perceived criticism after a 10-min problem-solving interaction and their attributions for their spouses' behavior during a review of the videotaped interaction. In Study 2, 70 outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (n=41) or panic disorder with agoraphobia (n=29) completed a measure of global perceived criticism in their relationship with their spouse or other family member and on another occasion participated in a 10-min problem-solving interaction with th...

Clinician-assisted Internet-based treatment is effective for panic: A randomized controlled trial.

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:24:38 +0100

Conclusions: These results replicate those from the open trial of the Panic Program indicating the efficacy of the Internet-based clinician-assisted cognitive behavioural treatment program for panic disorder with agoraphobia. PMID: 20560847 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry)

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Treating Panic in a Veteran With Comorbid Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Clinical Case Studies — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:01:57 +0100

Research indicates that psychiatric comorbidity can limit the effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. Panic disorder (PD) can be effectively treated with panic control treatment. However, the effectiveness of this intervention with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not well established. This case is about a 57-year-old Vietnam Veteran diagnosed with PD with agoraphobia and comorbid PTSD and depression. The veteran participates in 10 sessions of panic control treatment after limited success with pharmacotherapy. He completed a structured clinical interview and self-report measures at pretreatment, 1-week posttreatment and 3-month follow-up. The veteran’s panic attacks were eliminated prior to completing the protocol. He remained panic free at posttr...

Moderators and mediators among panic, agoraphobia symptoms, and suicidal ideation in patients with panic disorder. - Huang MF, Yen CF, Lung FW.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:41:33 +0100

OBJECTIVES: The most important change of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) is the use of dimensional approach to assess the severity of symptoms across different diagnosis. There are 2 purposes in this study: ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Psychometric properties of the panic disorder severity scale: clinician-administered and self-report versions

Clinical Psychology — Mon, 24 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) is a seven-item scale designed to assess overall severity of panic disorder symptoms. Although the PDSS is widely used, there have been limited independent studies confirming reliability and validity, particularly of the self-report version of the PDSS, and even fewer studies directly comparing the two versions. Given the need for psychometrically sound measures that comprehensively assess the main features of panic disorder, this study examined the psychometric properties of both the clinician-administered and self-report versions of the PDSS. As the PDSS targets symptom severity across a number of specific domains, PDSS items were compared to several scales designed to measure similar constructs, including the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Illness In...

Serum hepatocyte growth factor levels and the effects of antidepressants in panic disorder

Neuropeptides — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We examined 67 patients with panic disorders and 97 controls. Patients were split into two groups according to whether they exhibited a 50% improvement in test scores (good/high response group: n=26) or not (poor/low response group: n=41). In both healthy control and panic disorder individuals, there were no significant associations between HGF serum levels and STAI or NEO-PI-R scores. However, there was a significant correlation between serum HGF levels and fatigue in healthy control subjects in as scored by POMS testing. HGF concentration in the good/high response group was significantly elevated compared to both the low/poor response group (p (Source: Neuropeptides)

Salivary Cortisol Levels in Persons With and Without Different Anxiety Disorders

Psychosomatic Medicine — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:38:59 +0100

Conclusions: This study showed a modest but significantly higher 1-hour cortisol awakening response among anxiety patients, which was driven by those with panic disorder with agoraphobia and those with comorbid depression. (Source: Psychosomatic Medicine)

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The effects of extraverted temperament on agoraphobia in panic disorder.

Journal of Abnormal Psychology — Sun, 09 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Although situational avoidance is viewed as the most disabling aspect of panic disorder, few studies have evaluated how dimensions of neurotic (i.e., neuroticism, behavioral inhibition) and extraverted (i.e., extraversion, behavioral activation) temperament may influence the presence and severity of agoraphobia. Using logistic regression and structural equation modeling, we examined the unique effects of extraverted temperament on situational avoidance in a sample of 274 outpatients with a diagnosis of panic disorder with and without agoraphobia. Results showed low extraverted temperament (i.e., introversion) to be associated with both the presence and the severity of situational avoidance. Findings are discussed in regard to conceptualizations of conditioned avoidance, activity levels, so...

High Occurrence of Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among Older Adults: The National Comorbidity Survey Replication [Original Article]

Archives of General Psychiatry — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:51:03 +0100

Conclusion Prevalence rates of DSM-IV mood and anxiety disorders in late life tend to decline with age, but remain very common, especially in women. These results highlight the need for intervention and prevention strategies. (Source: Archives of General Psychiatry)

Comparing mental health of francophones in Canada, france, and belgium: 12-month and lifetime rates of mental health service use (part 2).

Canadian Journal of Psychiatry — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Patterns of service use are similar among francophone populations. Variations that exist may be accounted for by differences in health care resources, health care systems, and health insurance coverage. PMID: 20482956 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry)

Prevalence, characteristics and comorbidities of anxiety disorders in France: Results from the "Mental Health in General Population" Survey (MHGP).

European Psychiatry — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The MHGP study showed that anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in France with a high frequency of comorbidities. Our results highlight the need for considering anxiety disorders as a public health priority in France as well as in other European countries. PMID: 20430592 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Psychiatry)

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Friendship in a Box: What's going on?

Psychology Today Relationships Center — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:16:50 +0100

QUESTIONDear Irene,I haven't seen anything like this on your blog, so maybe others have the same question. I have a close friend I met about two years ago in a support group. We both lost our husbands to illness in their prime. Needless to say, we feel connected in a way that is not common to most friends.We started going out once a week for lunch to discuss our struggles and to support each other outside the group. Lately, that is the only environment in which my friend seems to want to be friends. She will not come over to my house but says she wants to; will not come to parties but says she will try. Even something as simple as meeting at a different lunch place is like twisting her arm. I called her one time letting her know I was at a different eating establishment to see if she wante...

Predictors and moderators of time to remission of major depression with interpersonal psychotherapy and SSRI pharmacotherapy.

Psychological Medicine — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study identified several non-specific predictors but few moderators of psychotherapy versus pharmacotherapy outcome. It offers useful indicators of the characteristics of patients that are generally difficult to treat, but only limited guidance as to who benefits from IPT versus SSRI pharmacotherapy. PMID: 20380782 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

Rates of depression and anxiety in urban and rural Canada

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:58:22 +0100

Conclusions These results confirmed a lower risk of depression amongst rural dwellers, which was associated with a stronger sense of community belonging. Further research on this topic could usefully include community-level variables, usually subsumed under the rubric of social capital. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00127-010-0222-2Authors Sarah Romans, Wellington New ZealandMarsha Cohen, Toronto CanadaTonia Forte, Toronto Canada Journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric EpidemiologyOnline ISSN 1433-9285Print ISSN 0933-7954 (Source: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology)

The prevalence of migraine headaches in an anxiety disorders clinic sample.

CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This study suggests that there is an increased prevalence of migraine headaches among anxiety disorder patients as compared to the general population. Migraine comorbidity may have important clinical implications, such that the treatment of one condition could potentially ameliorate the development or progression of the other. Further research is required to better understand the nature and implications of the association between migraine and psychiatric disorders. PMID: 20415837 [PubMed - in process] (Source: CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics)