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A randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a brief computerized anxiety sensitivity reduction

Emily M O'Bryan1, Alison C McLeish2, Aaron M Norr3

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, USA; Anxiety Disorders Center, Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living, USA.

Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|June 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A single-session computerized intervention effectively reduced anxiety sensitivity (AS) in university students with high health anxiety (HA). This reduction in AS may indirectly decrease health anxiety over time.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Health Psychology

Background:

  • Severe health anxiety (HA) leads to increased healthcare resource utilization.
  • Identifying effective interventions for HA in clinical settings is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of a computerized anxiety sensitivity (AS) intervention on AS and HA.
  • To evaluate the intervention's effectiveness in a university student population.

Main Methods:

  • 68 university students with elevated AS and HA were randomized to an AS intervention or an active control group.
  • Assessments included self-report and behavioral measures at post-intervention, 1-week, and 1-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

  • The AS intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in AS compared to the control group at all follow-ups.
  • No significant direct effect of the intervention on HA was observed.
  • Mediation analysis indicated that reductions in AS indirectly influenced changes in HA.

Conclusions:

  • A single-session computerized AS intervention effectively reduces AS in individuals with high HA and AS.
  • Reductions in AS may indirectly lead to decreased health anxiety over time.
  • The intervention shows promise for managing HA in clinical settings.

Keywords:
Anxiety sensitivityComputerizedHealth anxietyInterventionPrevention

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