Clinical and nonclinical panic attacks: An empirical test of a panic-anxiety continuum

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical panic disorder patients to nonclinical (not receiving treatment) panickers. Thirty-eight nonclinical students reported one or more panic attacks in the past three weeks (13.8% of total sample), and were compared to 50 outpatients with panic disorder with agoraphobia. Clinical and nonclinical panickers experienced similar attacks (e.g., symptom structure, temporal duration of attacks). Clinical panickers reported significantly higher levels of agoraphobic fears, depression, anxiety sensitivity, and trait anxiety concerning daily routines. Frequency of panic in the past year, prediction of spontaneous panic, anxiety sensitivity, and lifestyle restrictions were significant predictors of clinical status. Results are discussed in terms of a panic-anxiety continuum model. There are both quantitative and qualitative differences between clinical and nonclinical panickers. “Predicting the unpredictable” appears to be a key cognitive element and is theoretically related to perceived lifestyle restriction (i.e., agoraphobia) as a result of panic.