Dissociative symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder and its relationship with temperament-character features

Introduction: The relationship between anxiety and dissociative symptoms is frequently mentioned, but dissociative symptoms are not seen in all patients with anxiety disorder. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between dissociative symptoms and temperament-character features in patients with anxiety disorders.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 75 patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) according to DSM-5 and 75 healthy individuals for the control group (HC). The severity of their complaints were assessed using Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales (HAM-A, HAM-D). Sociodemographic data form, Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Dissociation Scale (DIS-Q) and Temperament-Character Inventory (TCI) were filled for every participant.

Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of HAM-A, HAM-D, DES and DIS-Q scores (PD> GAD> HC). The factors affecting DES and DIS-Q scores were high HAM-A scores, diagnosis, low self-directedness(SD) and high self-transcendence(ST) scores, and when the diagnosis was checked, DES and DIS-Q scores continued to be affected by HAM-A, SD and ST scores.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of dissociative symptoms was confirmed in patients with anxiety disorder. It was observed that character traits of low SD and high ST may be predisposing for the development of dissociative symptoms, while temperament traits were not influential on dissociative symptoms. These results may suggest that dissociation is not only related to trauma.