ABSTRACT
The frequency of generalized anxiety disorder was higher among first-degree relatives of probands with generalized anxiety (N = 20) than among the relatives of control subjects (N = 20), but it was not higher among relatives of probands with panic disorder (N = 40) or agoraphobia (N = 40). Also, the frequency of panic disorder was higher among relatives of probands with panic disorder than among control relatives but was not higher among relatives of generalized anxiety probands. Relatives of probands with generalized anxiety who had the same disorder had a mild, stress-related illness. The results confirm the separation between generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder but challenge the distinction between generalized anxiety and adjustment disorders.
Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders/genetics , Adjustment Disorders/diagnosis , Adjustment Disorders/genetics , Adult , Agoraphobia/diagnosis , Agoraphobia/genetics , Anxiety Disorders/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Disorders/genetics , Middle Aged , PanicABSTRACT
A family study of patients with agoraphobia (n = 40), panic disorder (n = 40), and nonanxious controls (n = 20) showed that the morbidity risk for panic disorder was increased among the relatives of agoraphobics (8.3%) and the relatives of patients with panic disorder (17.3%). The morbidity risk for agoraphobia was also increased among the relatives of agoraphobics (11.6%) but not the relatives of panic disorder patients (1.9%). Male relatives of agoraphobics were shown to be at higher risk for alcohol disorders (30.8%). No greater risk for primary affective disorders was found among the relatives of agoraphobic or panic disorder patients or among the relatives of probands with secondary depression compared with relatives of probands without secondary depression. Probands and relatives with agoraphobia reported an earlier onset of illness, more persistent and disabling symptoms, more frequent complications, and a less favorable outcome than probands and relatives with panic disorder. The findings suggest that agoraphobia is a more severe variant of panic disorder. They also lend support to the separation between anxiety disorders and affective disorders.