Ectomorphic somatotype and joint hypermobility are linked in panic and agoraphobic patients: A case-control study

Abstract

Objective. To test whether there is an association between somatotype measures, joint hypermobility (JH), and panic and/or agoraphobia (PA). Method. Sociodemographic characteristics, somatotype, and JH status were assessed in 60 patients (30 men and 30 women) with PA and 60 non-clinical controls, matched by age and gender. Results. Patients and controls categorized by gender did not differ in terms of age, educational degree, marital status, or labour situation. There were significant differences between mean somatotype groups both in men and women. Men and women somatotype patients were significantly less endomorphic and more ectomorphic than controls. Hypermobility was significantly more frequent in both male and female patients. In the entire sample, 38.3% of patients and 13.3% of controls were categorized as ectomorphic (χ² = 8.5, p = 0.004). After adjusting for age and sex, ectomorphic somatotype was independently related to JH status [OR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.35–7.8, p = 0.008]. Conclusions. Since PA may be associated with JH, it is suggested that the relationship found between panic and ectomorphic somatotype might be mediated through JH.

Key words::

• Somatotype
• ectomorph
• joint hypermobility
• panic disorder
• agoraphobia

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Marta Pulido, MD, PhD for editing the manuscript and Sergi Mojal for the methodological and statistical assessment (Barcelona Biomedical Research Park – IMIM – Hospital del Mar).

Statement of interest

None of the authors reports conflicts of interest.