Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between childhood physical/sexual abuse, suicide attempts, self-harming behavior and sexual functioning in patients with panic disorder. Method: 81 patients with panic disorder were included in the study. Participants were evaluated by using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, sociodemographic form and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). Results: The frequency of physical abuse history was 48.1% and the frequency of sexual abuse was 9.9% in the sample. Female participants with a history of physical abuse had significantly higher scores in the items of sexual desire, arousal, ability to reach orgasm, satisfaction from orgasm and total ASEX scores than those without a history of physical abuse. Female participants with a sexual abuse history also had higher scores in the items of arousal, ability to reach orgasm and total ASEX scores. No significant difference was found between male participants with regard to physical/sexual abuse history. In a regression model, comorbid major depressive disorder rather than abuse history was found to be a predictor of poor sexual functioning. Conclusion: Female patients with panic disorder who have physical/sexual abuse history have inhibited sexual desire, arousal and orgasm. Sexuality in patients with panic disorder is affected by depression comorbidity as well as sexual and physical abuse history.

Key words: Panic disorder, childhood trauma, suicide, self destructive behaviour, sexual dysfunction