Panic-Agoraphobic Spectrum and Light Sensitivity in a General Population Sample in Italy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to verify a possible correlation between panic symptoms and photosensitivity, not only in panic disorder (PD) but also in the panic-agoraphobic spectrum. Method:One hundred and sixty-nine healthy and drug-free subjects completed the Structured Clinical Interview for Panic-Agoraphobic Spectrum-Lifetime version (SCI-PAS-Lifetime) and the Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ). Results:The SCI-PAS-Lifetime total score was positively correlated with the total score of the PAQ photophobia subdimension (r = 0.44; P < 0.001); the SCI-PAS-Lifetime total score was not significantly correlated with the photophilia subdimension. As photophobia increased, we observed significant score increases in all SCI-PAS-Lifetime domains. Bivariate correlation showed higher coefficient correlation between the panic-like symptoms domain and photophobia (r = 0.44; P < 0.001). Conclusions:A high total score in the SCI-PAS-Lifetime, which denotes more typical features of the spectrum, is associated with a higher level of light sensitivity and intolerance toward bright stimuli. This finding reflects clinical evidence that widely documents photophobic behaviours in subjects with PD and the importance of light stimuli exposure during the onset and course of such a disorder. Bright stimulation seems to be relevant both in PD diagnosed according to current DSM criteria and in the entire panic-agoraphobic spectrum, from nuclear elements of the disorder through subclinical states to the normal condition. Clinical Implications· This study confirms clinical evidence and literature data that document photophobic behaviours in subjects with panic disorder (PD), as well as the importance of light stimuli exposure during the onset and course of such a disorder. · The possible presence of panic spectrum elements in patients affected by psychiatric disorders other than PD and their relation to light hypersensitivity suggest the importance of carefully assessing subsyndromic panic symptoms. They may explain seasonal changes in some aspects of the course of evident clinical Axis I disorders. · The relation between light stimulation and panic spectrum elements could have meaningful implications for the course and prognosis of the clinical manifestations, especially with reference to seasonal changes, with significant consequences for clinical remission and maintenance therapy. Limitations· We considered a small sample that was not homogeneously distributed between men and women; photophobia and photophilia scores did not have a Gaussian distribution. · The Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaire was designed for a Mediterranean population, and its outside test validity and reliability were evaluated in an Italian population only. · Further studies using larger, homogeneous samples are needed to conduct a more in-depth investigation of the relations between spectrum model, nosographic entities of current classification systems, and light sensitivity.

Uyku panik atağı: Farklı bir alt tip mi? / Nocturnal panic attack: is it an another subtype?

“…This finding is consistent with the reports in literature that patients with panic disorder may exaggerate their symptoms, display tricky behaviors and pretend in order to have reassurance they need (30). It may be observed that these patients seek reassurance by frequently administering to emergency departments, running medical tests and establishing "friendship relationships" with physicians (30,43). Many patients with panic disorder ask for help from their friends, families, neighbors and physicians in order to deal with the feelings of insecurity.…”

Individual control of electric lighting in a daylit space

“…Breaks were scheduled from At the end of the day the participants completed a short questionnaire, which included items on how they used the controls, and on their satisfaction with various aspects of the indoor environment. We also collected demographic information, and information on light sensitivity 22 and chronotype, 23 chosen because they might help predict lighting choices. Figure 4 shows data for the prevailing desktop illuminance due to daylight, d E desk .…”

Thalamic subfield iron accumulation after acute mild traumatic brain injury as a marker of future post‐traumatic headache intensity

“…There were no significant correlations between left LGN volume and mTBI symptom load (SCAT‐5 symptom severity score) at baseline or at 3‐month follow‐up. Due to the known relevance of the LGN in visual processing, correlations between left LGN volume and symptoms of photophobia (using the PAQ scores from the baseline visit and the 3‐month follow‐up visit) 17,27 were also investigated as comparisons. Although individuals with PTH had significantly higher levels of photophobia at baseline compared to healthy controls (PTH: PAQ = 0.29, SD = 0.25; healthy controls: PAQ = 0.09, SD = 0.14; p < 0.001) (see Table 1), no significant correlations were found between left LGN volume and photophobia symptom severity at baseline or 3‐month follow‐up.…”