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Smoking Behavior and Alcohol Consumption in Individuals With Panic Attacks
Amanda R Mathew1, Peter J Norton, Michael J Zvolensky
1University of Houston.
Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy
|September 15, 2011
Summary
Individuals with panic attacks are more likely to smoke and drink hazardously. However, specific panic symptoms did not differentiate smoking or drinking behaviors among those with panic attacks.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are linked to increased smoking and alcohol use.
- Panic attacks, panic disorder, and anxiety sensitivity are associated with substance use.
- Specific panic attack features' role in differentiating substance use remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Replicate the association between panic symptoms, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Examine if specific panic attack symptoms differentiate cigarette and alcohol use.
- Investigate the relationship between panic attacks and substance use behaviors.
Main Methods:
- 489 participants completed the Panic Attack Questionnaire-IV and substance use measures.
- Assessed panic attack history, symptoms, intensity, and frequency.
- Measured smoking history (daily/lifetime) and alcohol use (hazardous/harmful).
Main Results:
- Panic attack history correlated with higher daily/lifetime smoking and hazardous alcohol use.
- Panic attack group showed elevated hazardous alcohol use, even after controlling for smoking.
- Panic attack symptoms, intensity, or frequency did not differentiate smoking status among panickers.
- Panic-related variables did not differentially relate to problematic drinking in panickers.
Conclusions:
- Panic attack history is associated with increased smoking and hazardous alcohol use.
- While panic history predicts substance use, specific panic symptoms do not differentiate use among those with panic.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between panic attacks and substance use, suggesting further research into specific symptomology.
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