Panic Disorder and Bipolar II Comorbidity
Author Information
Author(s): Toni Cristina, Perugi Giulio, Frare Franco, Tusini Giuseppe, Fountoulakis Konstantinos N, Akiskal Kareen K, Akiskal Hagop S
Primary Institution: Institute of Behavior Sciences 'G. De Lisio', Carrara, Italy
Hypothesis
What are the clinical and familial correlates of panic disorder-agoraphobia with and without lifetime bipolar II comorbidity?
Conclusion
Patients with panic disorder-agoraphobia and bipolar II comorbidity show a greater complexity in their clinical picture, but similar outcomes in terms of symptom severity and treatment response compared to those without bipolar II.
Supporting Evidence
- 16% of patients with panic disorder-agoraphobia had comorbid bipolar II.
- Patients with bipolar II had higher rates of social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Family history of mood disorders was more prevalent in patients with bipolar II.
Takeaway
This study looked at people with panic disorder and found that those who also had bipolar II disorder had more other problems, but their panic symptoms were just as bad as those without bipolar II.
Methodology
The study involved 326 outpatients with panic disorder-agoraphobia evaluated and treated over a 3-year period, using structured interviews and routine clinical practice.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data and treatment adherence.
Limitations
The study focused only on outpatients and may not generalize to inpatient populations.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 34.5 years, 68.1% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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