The panic-agoraphobic spectrum: a descriptive approach to the assessment and treatment of subtle symptoms

Abstract

The spectrum model of panic and agoraphobia is a flexible and comprehensive means of describing this clinical complex. The proposed model, complementary to the categorical approach, presumably expresses a unitary pathophysiology. Its usefulness is discussed in terms of its value for patient-therapist communication, outcome measures, identification of subtle personality traits, and subtyping of patients for research and treatment.

Predictors and moderators of time to remission of major depression with interpersonal psychotherapy and SSRI pharmacotherapy

“…Lifetime mood and anxiety spectrum psychopathology was assessed using 4 self-report instruments the Mood Spectrum (MOODS-SR) (Fagiolini, et al, 1999) (Dell'Osso, et al, 2002), the Panic-Agoraphobic Spectrum (PAS-SR) (Cassano, et al, 1997) (Shear, et al, 2001), the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum (OBS-SR) (Dell'Osso, et al, 2002) and the Social Phobia Spectrum (SHY-SR) (Dell'Osso, et al, 2002) assessments. These instruments are based on a theoretical approach that gives clinical significance not only to typical symptoms of full blown mood disorders but also to atypical symptoms, behavioral traits and temperamental features.…”

“…Furthermore, these symptoms and traits need not cluster in time in order to have clinical importance. Rather, even isolated symptoms or traits that occur over an individual's lifetime, may mark clinically important phenotypes (Cassano et al, 1997). …”

A Bayesian regression model for multivariate functional data

“…Both measures were log transformed and standardized before running the analyses. A Lifetime Depression Spectrum (LDS) score was assessed on each patient at baseline; this gives an omnibus measure of depressive symptomatology over a patient’s lifetime (Cassano et al, 1997). In this example, we considered the LDS score to be a pre-treatment covariate with potentially differential effects on treatment outcomes for the two treatment groups.…”

“…This study sought differential baseline predictors of response to these two forms of treatment of major depression. Here, we examine the interaction effect of treatment group with Lifetime Depressive Spectrum symptoms (LDS; (Cassano et al, 1997)) in 252 patients entering the study in an acutely depressive episode. Levels of depression are determined by the clinician-administered Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and the Quick Inventory for Depression Self-report (QIDS).…”

Noninvasive brain stimulation by radioelectric asymmetric conveyor in the treatment of agoraphobia: open-label, naturalistic study

“…Furthermore, other less common manifestations of agoraphobia such as the need to wear sunglasses, carry items such as a bottle of water or anti-anxiety medications, or being unable to wear a turtleneck, necktie, or even a ring have been described 5. Therefore, an agoraphobic person tends to avoid places and/or situations that may induce a panic attack, and, if the individual must be in these situations, they experience extreme discomfort and the conviction of an imminent panic attack 5. In many affected individuals, this develops into an uncontrollable need to use a “companion guide” – defined as a trusted person, usually a friend or relative – to cope with the more common acts of normal social life.…”