First Published Thursday, 27 November 2008
Photosensitivity in panic disorder
Bossini L, Fagiolini A, Valdagno M, Padula L, Hofkens T, Castrogiovanni P.
Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Division, University of Siena School of Medicine, Siena, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate abnormal light-related behavior in patients with panic disorder (PD).
Methods: We administered the Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaire to 30 subjects with PD and to 40 healthy subjects. The Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaire is a self-report questionnaire that evaluates two dimensions of photosensitivity: photophilia and photophobia.
Results: Compared to healthy controls, PD subjects reported significantly higher scores on the photophobia (P<.003) and significantly lower scores on the photophilia (P<.001) questions.
Conclusions: Subjects with PD indicated that they tolerate and seek light to a significantly lower degree than normal controls.
(Text has been reformatted for visual clarity; ed.)
© 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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