Citation

Powers AD, Westen D. Clin. Child Psychol. Psychiatry 2011; 16(4): 551-565.

Affiliation

Washington University in Saint Louis, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359104510387572

PMID

21212085

Abstract

This study examined personality subtypes of adolescents diagnosed with Panic Disorder (PD). As part of an NIMH-funded study of adolescent personality and its relation to psychopathology, randomly selected experienced licensed psychologists and psychiatrists used a Q-sort instrument to describe adolescents in their care, of whom 57 had been diagnosed with PD. Q-factor analysis yielded three personality subtypes: High Functioning/Dysphoric, Emotionally Dysregulated, and Avoidant. The subtypes differed on axis I and II pathology, adaptive functioning, and developmental and family history variables. Personality constellations showed substantial incremental validity in predicting adaptive functioning above and beyond DSM-IV axis I diagnoses. The results resemble subtypes recently identified in adults and suggest that adolescents who present with panic symptoms are a heterogeneous group, whose personality needs to be considered in understanding and helping them clinically.

Language: en