Question 1

Is there a measure that predicts which patients will develop panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) — the fear of anxiety-related sensations based on catastrophic beliefs about what they mean — is distinct from trait anxiety and serves as a cognitive amplifier that escalates normal arousal into panic. The ASI-3 measures three dimensions: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Concerns. CBT targeting AS produces large effect sizes (Hedges' g = 1.40 in treatment-seekers, 0.74 in at-risk samples). High AS is also linked to exercise avoidance and to tobacco, obesity, and alcohol overuse as maladaptive coping.

Question 2

What is anxiety sensitivity and how is it different from anxiety itself?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) — the fear of anxiety-related sensations based on catastrophic beliefs about what they mean — is distinct from trait anxiety and serves as a cognitive amplifier that escalates normal arousal into panic. The ASI-3 measures three dimensions: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Concerns. CBT targeting AS produces large effect sizes (Hedges' g = 1.40 in treatment-seekers, 0.74 in at-risk samples). High AS is also linked to exercise avoidance and to tobacco, obesity, and alcohol overuse as maladaptive coping.

Question 3

What ASI score indicates elevated panic risk?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) — the fear of anxiety-related sensations based on catastrophic beliefs about what they mean — is distinct from trait anxiety and serves as a cognitive amplifier that escalates normal arousal into panic. The ASI-3 measures three dimensions: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Concerns. CBT targeting AS produces large effect sizes (Hedges' g = 1.40 in treatment-seekers, 0.74 in at-risk samples). High AS is also linked to exercise avoidance and to tobacco, obesity, and alcohol overuse as maladaptive coping.

Question 4

Can I use anxiety sensitivity reduction as a treatment target for panic?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) — the fear of anxiety-related sensations based on catastrophic beliefs about what they mean — is distinct from trait anxiety and serves as a cognitive amplifier that escalates normal arousal into panic. The ASI-3 measures three dimensions: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Concerns. CBT targeting AS produces large effect sizes (Hedges' g = 1.40 in treatment-seekers, 0.74 in at-risk samples). High AS is also linked to exercise avoidance and to tobacco, obesity, and alcohol overuse as maladaptive coping.

Question 5

Does interoceptive exposure work by lowering anxiety sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) — the fear of anxiety-related sensations based on catastrophic beliefs about what they mean — is distinct from trait anxiety and serves as a cognitive amplifier that escalates normal arousal into panic. The ASI-3 measures three dimensions: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Concerns. CBT targeting AS produces large effect sizes (Hedges' g = 1.40 in treatment-seekers, 0.74 in at-risk samples). High AS is also linked to exercise avoidance and to tobacco, obesity, and alcohol overuse as maladaptive coping.

PsychHQ

Anxiety Sensitivity: Predicting and Targeting Panic Risk