The mediation role of schizotypal traits in the relationship between childhood trauma and earlier onset of panic disorder

ABSTRACT Objective We hypothesized that, if childhood trauma is associated with schizotypal traits, schizotypal traits may mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and the earlier onset of panic disorder (PD). Methods A total of 86 patients (49 females, 37 males), with PD aged between 18 and 65 years, were evaluated using the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS), the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B), and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Results The mean age was 38.7 ± 12.8 years (range = 19-65 years). Total scores of schizotypal traits (r = -0.41, p<0.001), and childhood trauma (r = -0.31, p = 0.004) were inversely correlated with age at onset of PD. There was a significant correlation between the severity of schizotypal traits and childhood trauma (r = 0.55, p<0.001). After the mediation analysis, the direct effect of childhood trauma on age at onset of PD was no longer significant (Exp(B) = -0.133, p = 0.273). The indirect coefficient for schizotypal traits was consistent with complete mediation (Exp(B) = -0.801, p = 0.001). Discussion We suggest that schizotypal personality traits which are significantly associated with childhood trauma, may influence the onset of PD from early life.