Factor In Anxiety Disorders Research Articles

Inhibitory control and its modification in spider phobia - Study protocol for an antisaccade training trial.

Inhibitory control deficits are considered a key pathogenic factor in anxiety disorders. To assess inhibitory control, the antisaccade task is a well-established measure that assesses antisaccade performance via latencies and error rates. The present study follows three aims: (1) to investigate inhibitory control via antisaccade latencies and errors in an antisaccade task, and their associations with multiple measures of fear in patients with spider phobia (SP) versus healthy controls (HC), (2) to investigate the modifiability of antisaccade performance via a fear-specific antisaccade training in patients with SP and HC, and (3) to explore associations between putative training-induced changes in antisaccade performance in SPs and changes in diverse measures of fear. Towards aim 1, we assess antisaccade latencies (primary outcome) and error rates (secondary outcome) in an emotional antisaccade task. Further, the baseline assessment includes assessments of psychophysiological, behavioral, and psychometric indices of fear in patients with SP and HCs. To address aim 2, we compare effects of a fear-specific antisaccade training with effects of a prosaccade training as a control condition. The primary and secondary outcomes are reassessed at a post-1-assessment in both SPs and HCs. Aim 3 employs a cross-over design and is piloted in patients with SP, only. Towards this aim, primary and secondary outcomes, as well as psychophysiological, behavioral, and psychometric measures of fear are reassessed at a post-2-assessment after the second training block. This study aims to better understand inhibitory control processes and their modifiability in spider phobia. If successful, antisaccade training may assist in the treatment of specific phobia by directly targeting the putative underlying inhibitory control deficits. This study has been preregistered with ISRCTN (ID: ISRCTN12918583) on 28th February 2022.

Early risk factors for anxiety disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders: results from the ELENA Cohort

Anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively affects their social interactions, and quality of life. It is necessary to identify early risk factors for anxiety to tailor prevention and interventions. We aimed to examine the clinical level of anxiety in children with ASD from 5 to 10 years of age and identify potential early risk factors 3 years earlier. Participants were ASD children included in ELENA, a French prospective cohort. In this study, we used the collection of data at Time 1-T1 (at baseline) and Time 2-T2 (3 years after T1). Two groups were identified at T2 according to the threshold for anxiety on the CBCL: ASD-only group and ASD + anxiety group. Our results showed that half of the children in our sample had a clinical level of anxiety at T2. Regression analysis showed that greater ASD severity and lower sensory processing difficulties predicted lower anxiety, whereas higher levels of restricted and repetitive behaviours tended to predict higher levels of anxiety. The high prevalence of clinical-level anxiety in our sample suggests the need for specific assessment and targeted treatment of anxiety on a routine basis.

Negative correlation between IL-1β, IL-12 and TNF-γ, and cortisol levels in patients with panic disorder.

IntroductionChronic exposure to stress is a major risk factor in anxiety disorders (ADs) and can be accompanied by an altered microbiome–gut–brain axis and a compromised immune system. In recent years, the study of inflammatory processes in AD has gained special attention. Continued stress causes the reactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the alteration of the intestinal microbiota and the consequent release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, affecting the sensitivity to stress and the similar behavior of anxiety.MethodThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the interrelationships between measures of proinflammatory cytokines and cortisol in patients with panic disorder (PD).ResultsThe main results of the correlation analysis revealed that the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐12, and tumor necrosis factor gamma were negatively correlated with cortisol scores (area under the curve with respect to the ground).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the inflammatory response is associated with the reactivity of the HPA axis in patients with PD and may influence the maintenance of anxiety behavior.

Time trends in treated incidence, sociodemographic risk factors and comorbidities: a Finnish nationwide study on anxiety disorders

BackgroundThere has been a lack of research about the time trends and socio-demographic risk factors for children and adolescents who receive treatment for anxiety disorders. This study aimed to fill these gaps in our knowledge by examining a nationwide sample of Finnish children and adolescents diagnosed in specialized healthcare settings.MethodsThis study comprised national register data of all singleton children born in Finland from 1992–2006 who were diagnosed with anxiety disorders from 1998–2012. The changes in time trends in incidence were studied by dividing the study sample into three cohorts by birth years: 1992–1996, 1997–2001 and 2002–2006, who were followed up until the age of 20, 15 and 10 years, respectively. The 22,388 individuals with anxiety disorders were age and gender matched with 76,139 controls from the general population. Logistic regression was used to examine the socio-demographic risk factors and anxiety disorders in the entire sample. Comorbid disorders were examined in the oldest birth cohort (1992–1996 born).ResultsComparing the 1992–1996 and 2002–2006 cohorts showed that the cumulative incidence of treated anxiety disorders at the age of 10 increased from 0.3 to 1.2% among females and 0.46 to 1.9% among males. Subjects had higher likelihood for being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder if their mothers had low maternal socio-economic status class at birth (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.45–1.61) compared to higher SES class, and marital status was single at the time of birth (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.87–2.17) compared to married or in a relationship. They had lower risk of anxiety disorders diagnosis if born in rural (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.79–0.86) or semi-urban areas (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.76–0.82) when compared to urban residence. There was a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities, and unipolar depression was the most common (31.2%).ConclusionAnxiety disorders diagnosed by specialized Finnish services increased from 1998–2012 in both genders. This could indicate a real increase in overall anxiety disorders or an increase in treatment seeking. The findings on maternal socioeconomic status and single parenting improve the recognition of the environmental risk factors for anxiety disorders among children and adolescents.

Differences in dimensional personality features in depressive and anxious adolescents

Objective: Dimensional properties of personality are new field which is placed under DSM-5 Section-3 for further research. DSM-5 Personality Inventory (PID-5) is an effective instrument to assess and implement personality dimensions in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment among adolescents; but the researches are limited. To address this issue, we aimed to compare the dimensional personality features between depressive and anxious adolescents using PID-5. Methods: Participants were recruited after they were evaluated with semi-structured psychiatric interviews. Patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders were excluded and total 280 subjects (70 male and 70 female in each group) were included in depression (DG) and anxiety (AG) groups. Results: Total PID-5 scores and all of the personality dimension scores, except those for negative affectivity (NA), were found to be significantly higher in DG than AG. We found positive correlation between all personality scores and the severity of depression and anxiety. Discussion: Our study showed that, even after excluding the cases with comorbidities, no difference was found between the DG and AG regarding NA; and this result could be the proof of the individually elevated NA in both groups bypassing a possible genetic influence. We found that DG had higher disinhibition scores than AG; and the lower disinhibition of anxious children may reflect higher behavioral inhibition levels, which is considered to be a risk factor for anxiety disorders. Cross-sectional design of our study makes it difficult to evaluate causality be-tween the personality dimensions and psychopathology; so further longitudinal studies using these new personality dimensions are needed.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment in Vaginal Penetration Disorders

Vaginal Penetration Disorders (VPD) consist a major sexual disorder that has a significant impression on young ladies and couple’s relationships and also consist of a predisposing factor for anxiety disorders. All existing treatments of vaginismus are still a big challenge and often without success. Before performing PRP patients were referred to the gynaecologist, urologist or psychologist. Almost in every case after several attempts to be treated, they were disappointed with the results. Often, they have admitted to accept their problem and keep suffering because no physician could offer any effective help with significant results. We are reporting in this article a serie of ten cases where the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment was tried based on their voluntary participation due to particular and relative sexual problems. Based on the results that are exposed here, we can say that PRP clearly has a positive effect not only on rejuvenation of the female genital structurebut also on improving VPD symptoms. It reduces pain, reduces mucosal dryness and chronic fissuration. The duration of the effect on the vaginal structure as well as clinical improvements requires more case studying and research. These patients will be evaluated for the coming 2 years to acquire more data to be analyzed in order to complete our observational study. It is nothing but the beginning of a new era in the sexual dysfunction therapy.

Aggressive Worriers: How Aggression Moderates the Association between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Suicidal Desire Constructs

Suicide is a public health concern and has been the tenth leading cause of death in the United States since 2008. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior is an empirically supported model of suicide. The theory posits that thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness examine the individual’s perceived connectedness to others around them and together create suicidal desire. Anxiety is another widespread public health concern, associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts above and beyond the effects of socio-demographic factors and other mental disorders. A key factor in anxiety disorders is intolerance of uncertainty, or the individual’s tendency to perceive ambiguous situations and events as being aversive to emotional and behavioral well-being. Additionally, different facets of aggression have been associated with both intolerance of uncertainty and suicidal desire. The current study sought to examine how facets of aggression moderated the associations between intolerance of uncertainty (both prospective and inhibitory) and thwarted belongingness/perceived burdensomeness. Participants were 440 adults recruited online. The hypotheses of aggression facets moderating the association between intolerance of uncertainty and perceived burdensomeness were largely supported with statistical significance for six out of eight models. Similarly, the hypotheses of aggression facets moderating thwarted belongingness were largely supported with significant moderations for seven out of eight models. The results were upheld when using Benjamini-Hochberg test of significance to account for Type I error. Overall, results indicate that aggressive facets can amplify the associations between intolerance of uncertainty and thwarted belongingness/perceived burdensomeness; however, results differed based on the intolerance of uncertainty dimensions.

The relationship between psychiatric problems and gender in the presence of epilepsy in children and adolescents who referred to child psychiatry outpatient clinic

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine whether there is a difference between genders in terms of psychiatric diagnoses and symptom levels in epileptic children and adolescents. Methods: Diagnostic interviews were conducted with epileptic children and adolescents aged 6-17 and their parents who referred to child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic by a child psychiatrist. Depressive symptom levels of children were obtained by Child Depression Inventory and hyperactivity, inattentiveness, conduct, oppositional and anxiety levels were examined by Conner’s Teacher and Parent Rating Scales. Results: Because of the psychiatric evaluations of the children, the incidence of anxiety disorders was significantly higher in females than males. Males had significantly higher levels of teacher reported hyperactivity than females. Female gender was shown to be an independent risk factor for anxiety disorders. It was found that the level of hyperactivity increased, as age decreased and male gender was an independent risk factor for hyperactivity problem. Discussion: Our study shows that while epileptic girls are especially at risk for anxiety disorders, boys for hyperactivity problems. It is proposed to develop preventive and supportive approaches to psychiatric problems that are likely to be seen according to gender in children and adolescents with epilepsy

Differentiating Among Singular and Comorbid Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder and Social Phobia Symptomology

Social phobia is a frequent co-occurring diagnosis with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD); however, co-occurring OCD in those with social phobia is less common. Genetic, environmental, and cognitive traits are common risk factors for anxiety disorders broadly. It is plausible that shared variables related to OCD and/or social phobia could provide insight into the co-occurrence of these two disorders. The current study explored differences in fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and perfectionism among four groups: those with (1) elevated social phobia symptoms, (2) elevated OCD symptoms, (3) elevated symptoms of OCD and social phobia, and those who were (4) asymptomatic as a control group. A non-clinical sample of 196 participants completed several online questionnaires about social phobia and OCD symptomology. Results identified three cognitive variables (i.e., FNE, total perfectionism, and concern over mistakes) as differential variables in comorbid symptom presentation of OCD and social phobia. A fourth variable (i.e., doubts about actions) was identified as a potential dual risk factor, and four subsequent variables (i.e., parental criticism, personal standards, parental expectations, and organization) were not implicated in differential symptom presentation. Given the different rates of OCD and social phobia co-occurrence, identification of differentiating variables could aid in better understanding of potential risk factors, which may enhance preventative and therapeutic techniques. Study implications, limitations, and future recommendations are discussed.

ADad 6: The Predictive Factors for Anxiety Disorders Among Adolescents in a Rural Community Population in India

Development of Anxiety Disorders (AD) among adolescents is the interplay of risk and protective factors that have a biological and environmental basis. This study documents the predictive factors associated with the presence of AD among adolescents in India. The authors prospectively collected data for 500 adolescents in a community with independent, trained raters. Data on the dependent variable of AD and its subtypes was collected with Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Socio-economic status with Modified Kuppuswamy Scale, depression with Beck Depression Inventory and the other independent variables with a specially designed proforma. The predictive factors for the presence of AD were analyzed with univariate and multivariate regression analyses appropriately, and a parsimonious predictive model was built. Gender (adjusted OR = 1.96), and presence of Depressive Disorder (adjusted OR = 24.14) emerged as independent risk factors. Level of education came-out as a protective factor (adjusted OR = 0.66). Adolescent girls were at risk of developing Separation Anxiety Disorder (SeAD) (adjusted OR = 3.51) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SoAD) (adjusted OR = 1.69). Level of education had a protective influence on SeAD (adjusted OR = 0.39) and SoAD (adjusted OR = 0.59) among those doing high school. This protective effect increased if they were in higher-secondary school for SeAD (adjusted OR = 0.21) and SoAD (adjusted OR = 0.22). In the multivariate model age of the adolescent also gained significance and the 3-factor model had a good model fit. Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder were not related to any specific variable. Identifying the factors associated with AD and the subtypes can be used to predict, prevent or treat these disorders in this population. Educating adolescent girls to higher-secondary school level seem to be an important step in this direction.

The role of the serotonergic and GABA system in translational approaches in drug discovery for anxiety disorders

There is ample evidence that genetic factors play an important role in anxiety disorders. In support, human genome-wide association studies have implicated several novel candidate genes. However, illumination of such genetic factors involved in anxiety disorders has not resulted in novel drugs over the past decades. A complicating factor is the heterogeneous classification of anxiety disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and diverging operationalization of anxiety used in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, there is an increasing focus on the gene × environment (G × E) interaction in anxiety as genes do not operate in isolation and environmental factors have been found to significantly contribute to the development of anxiety disorders in at-risk individuals. Nevertheless, extensive research on G × E mechanisms in anxiety has not resulted in major breakthroughs in drug discovery. Modification of individual genes in rodent models has enabled the specific study of anxiety in preclinical studies. In this context, two extensively studied neurotransmitters involved in anxiety are the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) system. In this review, we illustrate the complex interplay between genes and environment in anxiety processes by reviewing preclinical and clinical studies on the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT2 receptor, and GABAA receptor. Even though targets from the serotonin and GABA system have yielded drugs with known anxiolytic efficacy, the relation between the genetic background of these targets and anxiety symptoms and development of anxiety disorders is largely unknown. The aim of this review is to show the vast complexity of genetic and environmental factors in anxiety disorders. In light of the difficulty with which common genetic variants are identified in anxiety disorders, animal models with translational validity may aid in elucidating the neurobiological background of these genes and their possible role in anxiety. We argue that, in addition to human genetic studies, translational models are essential to map anxiety-related genes and to enhance our understanding of anxiety disorders in order to develop potentially novel treatment strategies.

Genetic factors in anxiety disorders.

Presently available clinical genetic studies point to a considerable heritability of anxiety disorders (30-67%), with multiple vulnerability genes such as 5-HT1A, 5-HTT, MAO-A, COMT, CCK-B, ADORA2A, CRHR1, FKBP5, ACE, RGS2/7 and NPSR1 suggested by molecular genetic association studies. These genes have been shown to partially interact with each other as well as with environmental factors to shape the overall disease risk in a complex genetic model. Additionally, recent studies have pointed out the crucial role of epigenetic signatures such as methylation patterns in modifying environmental influences as well as in driving the functional impact of anxiety disorder risk genes. On a systems level, vulnerability genes of anxiety disorders seem to confer some of the disease risk via intermediate phenotypes like behavioral inhibition, anxiety sensitivity or several neurobiological traits such as increased startle reactivity or dysfunctional corticolimbic activity during emotional processing. Finally, first pharmaco- and psychotherapy-genetic studies provide evidence for certain risk genes to confer interindividual variability in response to a pharmacological or psychotherapeutic intervention in anxiety disorders. Genetic research in anxiety disorders will be discussed regarding its potential to foster innovative and individually tailored therapeutic approaches for patients with anxiety disorders.

2326 – Disgust and its domains across the anxiety disorders

The emotion of disgust has been involved in various anxiety disorders, specifically in the etiology and maintenance of specific phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A sample of participants with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, representing the six DSM-IV anxiety disorders (i.e., specific phobias, social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), completed the Multidimensional Disgust Scale (MDS; see Sandin et al.) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson et al., 1988; Sandin et al., 1999). The MDS is a 30-item selfreport measure that assesses a total of five different dimensions of disgust, i.e., hygiene (body products), moral, sexual, body transgression, small-animals, atypical food, and disease. Multivariate analyses of variance showed that MDS total scores associated with each anxiety disorder were greater than those of the control group. Relative to other diagnostic groups, specific phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder were associated with greater levels of disgust. In addition, these two disorders were particularly related to elevated scores on the hygiene and small-animals disgust subscales. The content of such subscales of disgust imply possible transmission of contaminants and disease, and they correspond to the “core disgust” suggested by Rozin, Haidt and McCauley (2000). The pattern of results remained when negative affectivity was used as covariate (two main risk factors of anxiety disorders). The subscale of sexual disgust was not able to differentiate between individuals with anxiety disorders and the control group, nor between the diagnostic groups. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders and its Relation to Past Child Abuse and General Health in Universities Students of Iran

Introduction: anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychological disorders and disrupt individual and social functions in patients .It is necessary to understanding of etiology and course and prognosis of these disorders .One of the risk factors in anxiety disorders is the child abuse experience in patients’ psychological history. But, there is no study on this relation in Iran. Therefore, current study has performed. Purpose: the purpose of this study was the investigation on prevalence of anxiety disorders and predictive relation of abuse experience in childhood with General health and anxiety disorders in universities students of Tehran. Method: 400 college students in Tehran (198 male, 202 female) were selected and answered to structured mental disorders inventory, general health questionnaire (GHQ) and Child Abuse Self Report Survey(Mohammad Khaniet et al., 2002). Findings: findings show that there is a significant relationship between anxiety disorders and child abuse. Results: the results of this study show the necessity of supportive education and concerning to psychological health of the children whom are encountered with social damages which lead to future psycho -social problems.

Patterns of Emotional Reactivity and Regulation in Children with Anxiety Disorders

Emotion dysregulation is believed to be a key factor in anxiety disorders. However, the empirical basis for this view is limited, particularly in children and adolescents. This study aimed to examine whether anxious children display negative emotional hyper-reactivity and deficits in emotion regulation, using a new task that presents ambiguous situations with potentially threatening meanings. Forty-nine children diagnosed with either generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or separation anxiety disorder, were compared with 42 non-anxious controls. Relative to controls, anxious children demonstrated (a) greater intensity and frequency of negative emotional responses, (b) deficits in using reappraisal in negative emotional situations and corresponding deficits in reappraisal self-efficacy, and (c) greater reliance on emotion regulation strategies that increase the risk of functional impairment, intense negative emotion, and low emotion regulation self-efficacy. Implications for the assessment and treatment of childhood anxiety are discussed.

Role of corticotropin releasing factor in anxiety disorders: A translational research perspective

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders that include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobic disorders (e.g., specific phobias, agoraphobia, social phobia) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety disorders are among the most common of all mental disorders and, when coupled with an awareness of the disability and reduced quality of life they convey, they must be recognized as a serious public health problem. Over 20 years of preclinical studies point to a role for the CRF system in anxiety and stress responses. Clinical studies have supported a model of CRF dysfunction in depression and more recently a potential contribution to specific anxiety disorders (i.e., panic disorder and PTSD). Much work remains in both the clinical and preclinical fields to inform models of CRF function and its contribution to anxiety. First, we will review the current findings of CRF and HPA axis abnormalities in anxiety disorders. Second, we will discuss startle reflex measures as a tool for translational research to determine the role of the CRF system in development and maintenance of clinical anxiety.

Increased anxiety-like behaviors and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice with targeted mutation of the Bcl-2 gene: Further support for the involvement of mitochondrial function in anxiety disorders

There is growing evidence that anxiety disorders are associated with impairments of cellular plasticity and resilience. Paralleling these advances in our understanding of the neurobiologic underpinnings of anxiety disorders is the growing appreciation of the diverse functions that mitochondria play in regulating integrated CNS function. The emerging data suggest that mitochondrial Ca 2+ sequestration has a key role in modulating the tone of synaptic plasticity in a variety of neuroanatomical regions, including those implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, activation of peripheral mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors resulted in reduced anxiety in rats. One of the major modulators of mitochondrial function is Bcl-2 proteins imbedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Bcl-2 overexpression increases mitochondria Ca 2+ uptake capacity and resistance to Ca 2+-inhibition of respiration and upregulation of Bcl-2 increases maximal uptake capacity of mitochondria. We have, therefore, explored the significance of Bcl-2 in the association between mitochondrial function and affective disorders testing Bcl-2 heterozygote mice in models of affective and anxiety disorders. Mutant mice have reduced mitochondrial Bcl-2 levels, and although they have no gross behavioral abnormalities, they demonstrate a significant increase of anxiety-like behaviors. Bcl-2 heterozygote mice spent less time in the center of an open field, spent less time outside an enclosure in the “emergence test”, were less likely to explore the transparent part of a black/white box or the open arms of an elevated plus maze compared with WT controls. Mutant mice did not differ from WT in measures of locomotion or in the forced swim test for depression-like behavior suggesting a specific effect on anxiety-like behaviors. Our study, therefore demonstrates that Bcl-2 may be a key factor in anxiety disorders and that its effects may possibly originate from its role in the mitochondria.

Anxiety disorders in late life: an evolving picture.

Although anxiety disorders are the most prevalent group of disorders in the United States, little is known about the efficacy of treatments for these disorders in elderly patients. Anxiety disorders, especially generalized anxiety disorder and phobias, are highly prevalent in older people. Anxiety symptoms and disorders are associated with increased mortality and disability in older people. Risk factors for anxiety disorders include chronic medical illness, disability, low education, low social network, and poor social support. The newer antidepressant medications, in particular the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine-extended relief, are recommended as first-line pharmacotherapy of these disorders in elderly. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is recommended as first-line psychotherapy for these disorders. However, these recommendations are based on extrapolation of data from younger adults or retrospective analysis of datasets, the results need to be confirmed with controlled studies in an elderly age group.

Anxiety Sensitivity and the Situational Antecedents to Drug and Alcohol Use: An Evaluation of Anxiety Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Although anxiety and substance use disorders co-occur at a high rate, little is known about the cause of this association. Relations between anxiety sensitivity (AS), posited to play an important role in the development of anxiety disorders and some substance use problems, the situational antecedents of drug and alcohol use, and substance preference, were evaluated in inpatients with anxiety or mood disorders and concurrent substance use disorders. AS predicted substance use even after controlling for variance attributable to trait anxiety and diagnostic status. AS was more strongly associated with the use of depressants in situations involving negative reinforcement. If AS proves to be a reliable risk factor for anxiety disorders co-occurring with substance use disorders, interventions structured to reduce AS would become important components of treatment and prevention programs.

Interpretation of ambiguous emotional information in clinically anxious children and adolescents

Cognitive theories of anxiety based on adult data predict that individuals vulnerable to anxiety should show threat - related interpretations of ambiguous material and it is proposed that this is an important maintaining factor in anxiety disorders. In the present study, interpretation of ambiguous emotional/neutral information was examined in child and adolescent anxious patients. Two groups of participants, anxious patients (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 40), were presented with a series of homographs, each with a threatening and a neutral interpretation. For each homograph, the participants were asked to construct a sentence using the homograph. Anxious children and adolescents produced significantly more sentences consistent with threatening homograph interpretations and less consistent with neutral interpretations than did normal controls. Regression analyses revealed no relationship between age and this interpretive bias. Preliminary developmental and theoretical implications are discussed.