Panic attacks and hoarding disorder: an initial investigation

Specific and general facets of hoarding: A bifactor model

Whereas it has been suggested that hoarding is a multidimensional construct comprising distinct but interrelated factors (i.e., difficulty discarding, excessive clutter, and excessive acquisition), a high degree of overlap as well as a lack of discriminant validity among these factors and exogenous constructs suggests that a correlated factors approach may not adequately capture this phenomenon. The factor structure of the Saving Inventory Revised (SIR) was examined in a large non-selected clinic sample (N=490). A bifactor model of hoarding, comprising a general Hoarding factor and orthogonal Urge-Related Acquiring, Distress-Related Acquiring, Difficulty Discarding, and Clutter factors fit the data best. Further, whereas the general Hoarding factor was related to several depression facets, the specific hoarding factors demonstrated differential relations with depression. This study establishes that acquiring behaviors are motivated by both positive/urge-related and negative/distress-related emotions. Additionally, general and distinct factors should be considered to properly contextualize hoarding behavior.

Panic symptoms and elevated suicidal ideation and behaviors among trauma exposed individuals: Moderating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder

Panic attacks (PAs) are highly prevalent among trauma exposed individuals and have been associated with a number of adverse outcomes. Despite high suicide rates among trauma exposed individuals, research to date has not examined the potential relation between panic symptoms and suicidal ideation and behaviors among this high risk population. The current study tested the association of panic with suicidal ideation and behaviors among a large sample of trauma exposed smokers. Community participants (N=421) who reported a lifetime history of trauma exposure were assessed concurrently for current panic, suicidal ideation and behaviors, and psychiatric diagnoses. Those who met criteria for a current panic disorder diagnosis were removed from analyses to allow for the assessment of non-PD related panic in line with the recent addition of the PA specifier applicable to all DSM-5 disorders. Findings indicated that panic symptoms were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and behaviors beyond the effects of depression and number of trauma types experienced. Further, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnostic status significantly moderated this relationship, indicating that the relationship between panic and suicidal ideation and behaviors is potentiated among individuals with a current PTSD diagnosis. This investigation suggests that panic symptoms may be a valuable clinical target for the assessment and treatment of suicidal ideation and behaviors among trauma exposed individuals.