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Feldner, Matthew T.

Psychology

2005

PhD

Panic disorder is a commonly occurring mental health problem with large costs in terms of health care and human suffering. Two risk factors for the development of panic disorder have increasingly become well-established both theoretically and empirically: anxiety sensitivity and cigarette smoking. The current study tested the efficacy of a selected prevention program for panic psychopathology that targeted the reduction of anxiety sensitivity and smoking. The proximal and distal effects of the intervention, relative to a general health information condition, were monitored. In terms of proximal effects, results indicated that the prevention program reduced anxiety sensitivity and some evidence suggested the program increased motivation to quit smoking. However, the intervention did not reduce the development of panic or other mood-related problems relative to the general health condition. Results are discussed in terms of panic prevention theory and research and future directions for the area are considered.