Unique relations among anxiety sensitivity factors and anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation

J Anxiety Disord. 2014 Mar;28(2):266-75. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.12.004. Epub 2013 Dec 27.

Abstract

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is composed of three lower-order dimensions, cognitive concerns, physical concerns, and social concerns. We examined the relations between AS dimensions using a more adequate assessment of subscales (ASI-3) than has previously been used, and measures of anxiety and mood disorders as well as suicidal ideation in a sample of 256 (M age = 37.10 years, SD = 16.40) treatment-seeking individuals using structural equation modeling. AS cognitive concerns was uniquely associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. AS physical concerns was uniquely associated with OCD, social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), and specific phobia. AS social concerns was uniquely associated with SAD, GAD, OCD, and MDD. These results highlight the importance of considering the lower-order AS dimensions when examining the relations between AS and psychopathology.

Keywords: Anxiety; Anxiety sensitivity; Depression; Suicidal ideation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Panic Disorder / epidemiology
  • Phobic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Phobia, Specific