Gender Differences in Panic Disorder: Findings From the National Comorbidity Survey

OBJECTIVE: Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of panic disorder in women than in men. This study explored whether the prevalence of specific panic symptoms differs by gender. METHOD: National Comorbidity Survey data from 609 respondents who met DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder or panic attacks were analyzed to test for gender differences across 18 panic symptoms. RESULTS: Among National Comorbidity Survey respondents with panic disorder or panic attacks, female respondents were more likely than male respondents to experience respiration-related difficulties during panic attacks. CONCLUSIONS: Specific symptoms occurring during panic attacks differ by gender. The pathophysiology of these symptom differences may involve gender differences in sensitivity to CO₂ and in the threshold for panic attacks during hypoxic and hypercapnic states.