title: Family transitions and developmental processes in panic-disordered patients.
abstract: Although there is increasing evidence for a familial role in panic disorder, little research exists on the family interaction patterns and relational stressors that may contribute to this disorder. Using DSM-III-R criteria, 52 families were classified into Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Nonclinical Control groups. A semi-structured interview and self-report measures were then used to examine family processes. MANOVA results were highly significant, suggesting that, compared to depressed and nonclinical control families, panic-disordered families had unresolved life-cycle issues, were enmeshed, used triangulation, and failed to resolve conflicts. These findings suggest that dysfunctional family processes may be involved in the expression and maintenance of panic disorder.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oppenheimer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frey
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010553:Personality Development; D011340:Problem Solving