Origins of the Panic-Agoraphobic Spectrum and Its Implications for Comorbidity

Abstract

AbstractAvailable data from the literature supporting the hypothesis that partial manifestations of the panic-agoraphobic spectrum may be as clinically relevant as a full-fledged syndrome were reviewed. These partial expressions of disorder may occur singly or in connection with other mental disorders. In particular, we have examined evidences indicating relationships of panic-agoraphobic spectrum with other mental disorders in childhood and adolescence and with psychotic disorders. Their importance in childhood and adolescence is significant because we believe that these symptoms influence adult behavior and are viewed, at a later time, as atypical symptoms. Panic-agoraphobic spectrum syndromes, both in their full-fledged and partial manifestations frequently co-occur with other mental disorders and are likely to be associated with significant impairment either when occurring singly, partially, or comorbidly. Several conditions typical of childhood, such as separation anxiety, school phobia, and other symptoms related to the concept of “behavioral inhibition” seem to be connected with the panic-agoraphobic spectrum and deserve attention in relation to the development of different anxiety and mood disorders in subsequent phases of the life cycle. Identification of panic-agoraphobic spectrum features is also important within the realm of psychoses where they may substantially affect phenomenology, course of illness, and treatment response.