Life Events and Panic Disorder Revisited

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional case-control study explored the relationship between childhood adversities, recent events, the HPA axis, and panic disorder. METHODS: A total of 113 patients with panic disorder and 113 controls were enrolled. Life events were evaluated using a semistructured interview and self-report. HPA functioning was evaluated using cortisol samples. The χ2, t, Mann-Whitney, odds ratio, regression, and ANCOVA tests were run. RESULTS: Patients had higher rates of life events and higher cortisol levels than controls. There was a cumulative effect between childhood adversities and recent events on panic disorder. The occurrence of more than 1 life event was associated with more severe panic symptoms. Patients with childhood adversities had higher morning cortisol levels than those without and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of panic disorder in subjects who underwent childhood adversities may be amplified by exposure to recent events and vice versa. Cortisol dysregulation may be involved in the association between childhood adversities and panic disorder.