Gender Differences in Anxiety Sensitivity in Patiens with Panic Disoredr Treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

초록

Objective This study examined gender differences in anxiety sensitivity in patient with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia who were treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods Fifty nine outpatients (men 28, women 31) with DSM-IV confirmed panic disorder completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) at baseline and after 12 week CBT. Results Women scored significantly higher than men in total ASI score and Mental Incapacitation Concern subscale score at baseline. And no significant gender differences were found in Physical Concern subscale score and Social Concern subscale score at baseline. This study also compared total ASI score and each subscale scores between baseline and post-treatment. Although total ASI score and each subscale scores decreased significantly in both sexes, no significant gender differences were found. After CBT, women scored significantly higher than men in Mental Incapacitation Concern subscale and Social Concern subscale. But no significant gender differences were found in total ASI score and Physical Concern subscale score. Conclusion This finding that women scored high Mental Incapacitation Concern subscale score both at baseline and after CBT supports previous finding that Mental Incapacitation subscale can be associated with gender differences in pathogenesis and prognosis of panic disorder. Total ASI score, Physical Concern subscale score and decrease of anxiety sensitivity after treatment do not seem to be associated with gender differences in pathogenesis and prognosis of panic disorder directly. Further discussion is needed about Social Concern subscale.