Role of panic appraisal in predicting the severity of panic and agoraphobic symptoms

Objective The present study examined the contribution of panic appraisal (PA) dimensions to the prediction of panic and agoraphobic symptoms, above and beyond anxiety sensitivity (AS), among patients with panic disorder. PA dimensions consist of anticipated panic, perceived panic consequences, and panic coping efficacy. Method Panic disorder patients (N = 84, 60.7% female,M = 38 years) completed self-report measures of panic and agoraphobic symptoms, three dimensions of PA, AS, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Results PA dimensions significantly contributed to the prediction of overall and all facets of panic and agoraphobic symptoms, as well as anxiety symptoms, but not depressive symptoms, above and beyond AS. Of the three PA dimensions, both anticipated panic and panic coping efficacy uniquely contributed to agoraphobic avoidance after controlling for AS and the other dimensions of PA. Conclusion PA dimensions may emerge as an important predictor of panic and agoraphobic or anxiety symptoms.

Automated summary

The study revealed that the dimensions of panic appraisal, particularly anticipated panic and panic coping efficacy, uniquely predicted agoraphobic symptoms among patients with panic disorder, beyond the influence of anxiety sensitivity.