Photosensitivity and panic-agoraphobic spectrum: a pilot study

Background. The aims of this study were to assess photosensitivity (photophobia and photophilia) in panic disorder (PD) patients compared to healthy controls, and to evaluate the correlation between photosensitivity and panic-agoraphobic spectrum self-report (PAS-SR) scores. Methods. The PAS-SR and Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaires were administered to 24 PD subjects and 33 healthy controls. Results. Compared to controls, PD patients showed significantly higher levels of photophobia and lower levels of photophilia items. The PAS-SR total score was positively correlated with the photophobia score. Conclusions. This study shows a strong correlation between PD and photophobia. However, whether photophobia develops before or after the onset of PD remains unclear. Further research is warranted to assess the potential role of light stimuli exposure in the onset, course and outcome of PD.