Life events preceding the onset of panic disorder.

The life events experienced in the 12 months prior to the first panic attack were studied in 23 patients with a DSM-III diagnosis of panic disorder as well as in 23 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, social and educational level. Patients showed significant excess of life events compared to controls, however life events were assessed. Panic patients in fact scored higher on the number of events, the weighted scores (according to Paykel's scale) and the number of subjects who underwent a major life event (death or severe illness, either personal or of a cohabiting relative) in the two months preceding the onset of symptoms.