Abstract
Anxiety sensitivity refers to fears of anxiety-related sensations. Most often measured by the Anxiety
Sensitivity Index (ASI), anxiety sensitivity is a dispositional variable especially
elevated in people with panic disorder. Regardless of diagnosis, ASI scores often
predict panic symptoms in response to biological challenges (e.g., carbon dioxide
inhalation) that provoke feared bodily sensations. Prospective longitudinal studies
indicate that scores on the ASI predict subsequent spontaneous attacks, indicating
that elevated anxiety sensitivity is a risk factor for panic and perhaps panic disorder.
Cognitive behavioral treatment reduces anxiety sensitivity in panic patients, perhaps
protecting against relapse. Imipramine likewise decreases anxiety sensitivity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 6,
2002
Received in revised form:
June 4,
2002
Received:
February 20,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
