Predictors of panic-fear in asthma

Author(s): Lehrer, P. M., Hochron, S. M.

Journal/Book: Health Psychol. 1995; 14: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 421-426.

Abstract: Eighty-six asthmatics completed measures of illness-specific panic-fear (i.e., panic-fear in response to symptoms of asthma) and of generalized panic-fear, dyspnea frequency, and catastrophic cognitions about bodily symptoms (the Anxiety Sensitivity Index [ASI] and Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire [ACQ]). Asthma variables (self-report and pulmonary function tests) and cognitive variables (ASI and ACQ) were independently related to illness-specific panic-fear. Regression analyses showed that the cognitive variables predicted significant variance in both panic-fear scales after controlling for the effects of demographic and asthma variables. By contrast, the asthma variables were not associated with generalized panic-fear when the cognitive measures were controlled. In light of the adverse effects of panic-fear on asthma, the authors' results suggest that researchers may fruitfully explore the use of cognitive techniques as an adjunctive treatment for improving asthma outcome.

Note: Article RE Carr, Univ Med & Dent New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Med Sch, Dept Psychiat, 671 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA

Keyword(s): asthma; panic-fear; dyspnea; catastrophic; cognitions; SUBJECTIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY; ANXIETY SENSITIVITY; AGORAPHOBICS; PERSONALITY; COGNITIONS; DISORDER; THERAPY

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