Abstract

This study examined gender differences in anxiety sensitivity in patient with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia that were treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). 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. 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 founded. After CBT, women scored significantly higher than men on Mental Incapacitation Concern subscale and Social Concern subscale. But no significant gender differences were found in total ASI score and Physical Concern subscale score. This finding that women scored high Mental Incapacitation Concern subscale score both at baseline and after CBT and 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. (Korean J Str Res 2008;16:199∼205)

• Keywords: Panic disorder, Gender, Anxiety sensitivity, Mental incapacitation concern, Cognitive behavioral therapy