Assessment of Severity of Panic Disorder with co-morbid Depression and quality of life

Abstract

Background: Panic disorder alone or when co-morbid with depression can severely affect the functioning of an individual. Aim: To determine the occurrence of panic disorder and co-morbid depression and their quality of life. Material and Methods: Thirty patients from psychiatry ward and out-patient department were assessed by Panic Disorder Severity Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and World Health Organization Quality Of Life for severity of panic attacks, co-morbid depression and life quality. Results: Most patients showed moderate (56.6%) to slight (36.6%) severity of panic symptoms. Of them,80% had depression. In them, 33.3% had mild and 26.6% moderate levels of depression. Quality of life was moderate in 40% and poor in 36.66%. Conclusion: Patients with panic disorder have high frequency of co-morbid depression, however severity of both needs to be assessed separately. Those who have higher severity of both or depression have poor life quality.