Different temperament and character dimensions correlate with panic disorder comorbidity in bipolar disorder and unipolar depression

Abstract

Background This study aimed to investigate temperament and character correlates of panic disorder (PD) comorbidity in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder (BD) or unipolar depression (UD). Methods Temperament and character were assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory Revised (TCI-R) in 181 patients (70 patients with BD-I, 51 patients with BD-II and 60 with UD) in a euthymic state for at least 2 months. Results PD was diagnosed in 14.3% of BD-I patients, 31.4% of BD-II and 40% of UD. BD patients with PD, when compared with BD patients without PD, had higher scores on harm avoidance (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02–1.07; p = 0.002). Patients with UD and PD, when compared to patients with UD without PD, had higher scores on social acceptance (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.08–1.49; p = 0.004). Conclusion Different temperament and character dimensions correlated with PD comorbidity in BD and UD patients, suggesting different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.