UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Nillni, Yael I.
Dept./Program:
Psychology
Year:
2012
Degree:
PhD
Abstract:
The prevalence ofpanic disorder is 2 times higher among females relative to males. However, research on potential explanations for this sex difference is limited. There is a prominent sex difference, favoring females over males, on anxiety sensitivity (AS; i.e., the tendency to respond fearfully to anxiety symptoms), an identified cognitive risk factor for panic pathology. Given the tendency for high AS individuals to misinterpret bodily sensations as dangerous, the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle may constitute a sex-specific, cyclical stressor that contributes to the onset ofmaladaptive anxiety, uncued panic attacks, and panic disorder in women with a vulnerability to anxiety (i.e., high AS). The current study examined the interactive effects of AS and menstrual cycle phase (premenstrual phase vs. follicular phase) in a repeated measures design using a 3-minute 10% CO₂-enriched air biological challenge paradigm.
Specifically, it was hypothesized that women higher on AS would report greater post-challenge panic and anxiety. sensations and exhibit heightened skin conductance level during the biological challenge when assessed in their premenstrual phase as compared to when assessed in their follicular phase and as compared to women lower on AS assessed in either cycle phase. A secondary aim of the current study examined the interactive effects of AS and menstrual cycle phase (premenstrual vs. follicular) on prospectively self-reported menstrual symptom severity. It was hypothesized that women higher on AS would report greater menstrual symptoms in their premenstrualphase as compared to their follicular phase and as compared to women lower on AS assessed in either cycle phase.
Participants were 55 community women (Mage = 26.18, SD = 8.9) who completed a screening session, which consisted of a structured clinical interview and self-report questionnaires, and two laboratory visits, which consisted ofa CO₂ biological challenge. Results revealed that women higher on AS demonstrated increased cognitive panic symptoms in response to the biological challenge during the premenstrual phase as compared to the follicular phase, and as compared to women lower on AS assessed in either cycle phase. Contrary to prediction, the interaction of AS and menstrual cycle phase did not significantly predict challenge responding on any other outcome measure. Additionally, contrary to hypotheses, AS significantly predicted menstrual symptom reporting, regardless of current menstrual cycle phase. Results are discussed in the context of possible hypotheses for premenstrual vs. follicular menstrual cycle phase differences in the experience of cognitive, as opposed to physical, panic symptoms. Potential methodological limitations impacting study results are discussed, and future directions are proposed.
Specifically, it was hypothesized that women higher on AS would report greater post-challenge panic and anxiety. sensations and exhibit heightened skin conductance level during the biological challenge when assessed in their premenstrual phase as compared to when assessed in their follicular phase and as compared to women lower on AS assessed in either cycle phase. A secondary aim of the current study examined the interactive effects of AS and menstrual cycle phase (premenstrual vs. follicular) on prospectively self-reported menstrual symptom severity. It was hypothesized that women higher on AS would report greater menstrual symptoms in their premenstrualphase as compared to their follicular phase and as compared to women lower on AS assessed in either cycle phase.
Participants were 55 community women (Mage = 26.18, SD = 8.9) who completed a screening session, which consisted of a structured clinical interview and self-report questionnaires, and two laboratory visits, which consisted ofa CO₂ biological challenge. Results revealed that women higher on AS demonstrated increased cognitive panic symptoms in response to the biological challenge during the premenstrual phase as compared to the follicular phase, and as compared to women lower on AS assessed in either cycle phase. Contrary to prediction, the interaction of AS and menstrual cycle phase did not significantly predict challenge responding on any other outcome measure. Additionally, contrary to hypotheses, AS significantly predicted menstrual symptom reporting, regardless of current menstrual cycle phase. Results are discussed in the context of possible hypotheses for premenstrual vs. follicular menstrual cycle phase differences in the experience of cognitive, as opposed to physical, panic symptoms. Potential methodological limitations impacting study results are discussed, and future directions are proposed.