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Published on: July 19, 2017
Anxiety Sensitivity Amelioration Training (ASAT): a longitudinal primary prevention program targeting cognitive
Norman B Schmidt1, A Meade Eggleston, Kelly Woolaway-Bickel
1Florida State University, Department of Psychology, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. schmidt@psy.fsu.edu
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|August 8, 2006
Summary
A brief computer-based intervention, Anxiety Sensitivity Amelioration Training (ASAT), effectively reduced anxiety sensitivity (AS) and related fear symptoms. This promising approach may help prevent anxiety pathology.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Anxiety Disorders
Background:
- Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a significant risk factor for developing anxiety disorders and other Axis I conditions.
- Understanding and mitigating AS is crucial for anxiety prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a brief, computer-based intervention, Anxiety Sensitivity Amelioration Training (ASAT), in reducing AS.
- To assess the impact of ASAT on anxiety-related fear responses and the incidence of Axis I diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 404 participants with high AS, randomly assigned to ASAT or a control group.
- Participants were assessed using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and followed for up to 24 months.
- A 20% CO(2) challenge was used to measure subjective fear responding post-intervention.
Main Results:
- ASAT significantly reduced ASI scores compared to the control group.
- Reductions in AS were specific and not observed in related cognitive risk factors.
- ASAT led to decreased fear responding to the CO(2) challenge.
- A trend towards lower Axis I diagnoses was observed in the ASAT group, though not statistically significant at all intervals.
Conclusions:
- ASAT demonstrates promising preventative efficacy for reducing anxiety sensitivity.
- A brief, computer-based intervention can effectively target and decrease fear of arousal symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the long-term impact on clinical diagnoses.
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