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Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
11:18

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat

Published on: September 12, 2014

Anxiety, type A behavior, and cardiovascular disease

M A Lee, O G Cameron

    International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
    |January 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Anxiety disorders are linked to higher heart disease mortality in men, with Type A behavior being a significant factor. This study found Type A behavior more prevalent in male anxiety patients, suggesting a potential mechanism for increased cardiovascular risk.

    Area of Science:

    • Psychiatry
    • Cardiology
    • Behavioral Medicine

    Background:

    • Anxiety disorders are associated with increased mortality from circulatory diseases, particularly in males.
    • Type A behavior is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prevalence of Type A behavior in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
    • To explore the relationship between Type A behavior, anxiety symptoms, and hostility in anxious patients, examining gender differences.

    Main Methods:

    • Fifty-seven patients with DSM-III defined anxiety disorders completed the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R).
    • Statistical analyses were performed to compare Type A behavior prevalence and correlate JAS and SCL-90-R subscales between genders.

    Main Results:

    • A significantly higher prevalence of Type A behavior was observed in male (92%) compared to female (52%) anxious patients.
    • In males, anxiety and hostility scores correlated with Type A behavior components (Hard-Driving and Competitive), unlike in females where correlations were inconsistent.
    • A trend suggested increased CHD prevalence in fathers of anxious patients.

    Conclusions:

    • The higher incidence of Type A behavior in male anxiety patients, compared to females, may explain the increased mortality from circulatory diseases in this demographic.
    • Gender-specific patterns in the relationship between Type A behavior and anxiety/hostility symptoms are indicated, suggesting distinct pathophysiological pathways.

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