The effects of anxiety sensitivity and history of panic on reactions to stressors in a non-clinical sample

Abstract

This study attempted to determine the effects of physical and mental stressors on a nonclinical population that varied in terms of history of panic attacks and level of anxiety sensitivity. Groups included: (1) individuals with a history of panic attacks, (2) those with high scores on the anxiety sensitivity index and no history of panic and (3) those with no panic experiences and low anxiety sensitivity. Results indicated that participants with a history of panic and those with high anxiety sensitivity reported significantly higher levels of anxiety ratings, bodily symptoms, and anxious thoughts than low anxiety sensitivity subjects during a balloon inflation task. Groups did not differ on any of the dependent measures of stress during a mental arithmetic task. Results indicate that anxiety sensitivity is predictive of whether individuals are likely to panic in response to challenges that induce uncomfortable somatic sensations.