title: Photosensitivity and panic-agoraphobic spectrum: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aims of this study were to assess photosensitivity (photophobia and photophilia) in panic disorder (PD) patients compared to healthy controls, and to evaluate the correlation between photosensitivity and panic-agoraphobic spectrum self-report (PAS-SR) scores.
  
  
  METHODS
  The PAS-SR and Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaires were administered to 24 PD subjects and 33 healthy controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to controls, PD patients showed significantly higher levels of photophobia and lower levels of photophilia items. The PAS-SR total score was positively correlated with the photophobia score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows a strong correlation between PD and photophobia. However, whether photophobia develops before or after the onset of PD remains unclear. Further research is warranted to assess the potential role of light stimuli exposure in the onset, course and outcome of PD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy. bossini2@unisi.it
authors.forename: Letizia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bossini
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Campinoti
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Valdagno
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caterini
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Castrogiovanni
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fagiolini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010200:Panic; D020795:Photophobia / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires