Cognitive functions in patients with panic disorder: a literature review

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a review of the literature on the possible neuropsychological deficits present in patients with panic disorder. Methods: We performed a systematic review and search of the PubMed, ISI and PsycInfo scientific databases, with no time limits, using the following key words: cognitive, function, panic, and disorder. Of the 971 articles found, 25 were selected and 17 were included in this review. The inclusion criterion was at least one neuropsychological assessment task in patients with panic disorder. Results: The number of publications has grown gradually, especially those assessing executive functions, corresponding to the neurobiological model most widely accepted. Of all the functions evaluated, these patients had lower performance in memory tasks and higher performance in affective processing tasks related to the disorder. However, these data require further investigation due to the high rate of comorbidities, the small sample sizes of the included studies and little standardization of instruments used. Conclusion:The results showed a greater occurrence of deficits in memory and enhanced affective processing related to panic disorder.

Mental health status, aggression, and poor driving distinguish traffic offenders from non-offenders but health status predicts driving behavior in both groups

“…At present, there is no adequate theoretical framework available to account for this pattern of results. We note, however, that cognitive performance is dramatically decreased, for instance in patients suffering from panic disorder, 30 major depressive disorder, 31 and post-traumatic stress disorder. 32 Further, in the absence of such a framework, we advance the following possibility.…”

Poor mental health status and aggression are associated with poor driving behavior among male traffic offenders

“…Although Pourabdian and Azmoon 13 were not in a position to test their explanation, to our knowledge they are the first to propose a causal role for cognitive–emotional processes in traffic accidents. Indeed, research on the association between cognitive performance and cognitive–emotional load was already observed in other fields: findings from neuropsychological testing of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, 15 depressive disorders, 16 and posttraumatic stress disorders 17 indicate that poor neuropsychological performance outcome and increased psychiatric burden are causally associated. We took these observations into account in asking about the extent to which poor health status (more severe symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, depression, and social dysfunctions) might be linked to driving behavior.…”

Meta-Analysis of Neuropsychological Studies in Panic Disorder Patients: Evidence of Impaired Performance during the Emotional Stroop Task

“…In addition, consideration of the participant’s education and analyzing their intellectual capability prior to testing is of notable significance [13, 26, 27]. Furthermore, issues such as determining the severity of the disorder at the time of the evaluation and heterogeneity of methodological standards are amongst the other problems that feed the complexity of this analysis [14]. In fact, there is also some evidence of publication bias that may have affected the results of this meta-analysis.…”

“…However, current studies have inadequately scrutinized such neuropsychological evaluation, reaching overall conflicting results. The emotional Stroop task, Digit Span, Block Span, and Verbal IQ are among the most frequently used neuropsychological assessments in studies that analyze the cognitive performance of PD patients [14]. …”