Anxiety sensitivity and modulation of the serotonergic system in patients with PD

Abstract

Anxiety sensitivity, i.e., the fear of anxiety-related bodily sensations, is one of the most studied cognitive variables in panic disorder (PD). However, the effects of selective serotonergic antipanic agents on this variable have not yet been investigated. The present study examines the effects of 6 weeks of treatment with citalopram on anxiety sensitivity in patients with PD. Twenty patients entered the study. On day 0, before starting drug treatment, after 1 week and after 6 weeks of treatment, each patient was evaluated with the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI); the severity of clinical symptomatology was assessed with standardized psychometric scales. Results showed a significant reduction of anxiety sensitivity after 6 weeks of treatment. There was a significant correlation between decrease of anxiety sensitivity and anticipatory anxiety, while no correlations were found between panic attacks and agoraphobic avoidance. These results suggest that antipanic drug treatment decreases anxiety sensitivity.