Computerized Defense Mechanisms in Panic Disorder / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

Despite the indications that psychodynamic factors may be important in understanding and treatment of panic disorder, these have not been studied systematically. In this report, self-rating Ewha Defense Mechanism Test(EDMT) was used to test the hypotheses that 1) panic patients would use different defense mechanism from normal controls, 2) panic patients would use lower-maturity defenses than normal controls. Twenty-two subjects meeting the DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder and 22 normal controls were given self-rating EDMT, and were compared about the use and maturity level of defenses between the two groups. Panic subjects scored significantly much higher than normal controls on the defenses of displacement and acting out, and on the controlling as a major defense mechanism. Also, the use of neurotic defense mechanisms was more frequent in panic subjects.