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№1' 2014

PSYCHOTHERAPY

International Medical Journal, Vol. 20., Iss. 1, 2014, P. 5−7.

EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES ON PANIC DISORDER PATIENTS AND THEIR PSYCHOTHERAPY CORRECTION

Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education

A considerable growth of anxiety disorders is observed in Ukraine at present. According to epidemiological research up to 80% of the population suffer from paroxysmal and permanent vegetative symptoms that clinically manifest as vegetative dysfunction syndromes. Panic disorder (PD) and agoraphobia (AP) prevail in their structure. PD usually occurs against a background of psychogenic (highpoint of the conflict, under influence of severe stress) and biological (hormonal changes, onset of sexual activity) disorders. At the same time, diagnostic criteria of PD have demonstrated that AP develops without any connection with current psychological factors. The research was performed to investigate the state of the emotional sphere of patients with panic disorder. The emotional disorders of 40 PD patients and 20 AP patients were investigated using clinical and pathopsychological methods. The high level of anxiety was shown. Pathopsychological investigation identified a high level of trait anxiety and low level of neurotism and depression. Clinical and psychopathological research of patients with PD showed that paroxysmal clinical manifestations fit into the pattern of PA symptoms complex. Permanent manifestations were detected mainly in the controls (A) and were characterized by asthenic, anxious and subdepressive symptoms submitted in a variety of syndromes: anxious−phobic −− 31%, asthenic−depressive 16%, asthenic−hypochondriac −− 16%, asthenic, anxiety −− 21%, asthenic −− 14%. Among patients with PD leading psychopathological syndromes were asthenia (20% patients), anxiety and depression (33% of patients) and hypochondriac (46,66% of patients). According to Eyzenk scale, the patients with PD in 55% of cases noted high level of neurotism, while patients with agoraphobia in 47% of cases had domination of an average level. The average level of depression according to Hamilton scale in patients with PD was 16 points. According to Spielberger scale in PD patients mean anxiety level score was 39, and in patients with agoraphobia −− 42 points. Indicators of reactive anxiety were significantly different. In patients with PD mean level was 33 points, and in patients with agoraphobia −− 54 points. Patients with agoraphobia had hyperthymia −− mean rate 19, dysthymia −− mean rate 18, anxiety −− mean rate 21. The system of psychotherapy correction was established with high efficacy in 68% cases. Complete reduction of PD symptoms achieved in 68% of patients, significant improvement −− in 20% of cases, no significant changes were detected in 12% of patients. The system of psychotherapy correction was established with high efficacy in 68% cases.

Key words: еmotional disturbances, panic disorder, psychotherapy correction.