Psychosocial predictors of the onset of anxiety disorders in women: Results from a prospective 3-year longitudinal study

Abstract

In a prospective, longitudinal, population-based study of 643 women participating in the Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles we examined whether psychosocial variables predicted a new or recurrent onset of an anxiety disorder. Presence of anxiety disorders was assessed every six months over three years via structured clinical interviews. Among individuals who had a new episode of anxiety, we confirmed previous findings that history of anxiety, increased anxiety sensitivity (the fear of anxiety related sensations), and increased neuroticism were significant predictors. We also found trend level support for assertiveness as a predictor of anxiety onset. However, of these variables, only history of anxiety and anxiety sensitivity provided unique prediction. We did not find evidence for negative life events as a predictor of onset of anxiety either alone or in interaction with other variables in a diathesis-stress model. These findings from a prospective longitudinal study are discussed in relation to the potential role of such predictors in primary or relapse prevention efforts.Women experience a high lifetime rate of anxiety disorders, with approximately 30.5% of women compared to 19.2% of men meeting diagnostic criteria based on epidemiologic studies (Alexander, Dennerstein, Kotz, & Richardson, 2007). Although much is known about state correlates of anxiety disorders, only few studies have examined the prospective emergence of anxiety disorders in population-based or clinical cohorts. It is these prospective studies that provide evidence supporting a causal role for these (risk) factors, rather than simply reflecting the impact of the anxiety disorder itself.One potential risk factor for emergence of anxiety disorders is stress. For example, in a prospective study individuals exposed to high psychological job demands (excessive workload, extreme time pressures) were twice as likely to develop generalized anxiety disorder compared to those with low job demands (Melchior et al., 2007). Also, in a longitudinal prospective study, stress was a prospective predictor of first onset panic attacks among white collar workers

Balneotherapy Together with a Psychoeducation Program for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Feasibility Study

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Anxiety sensitivity and nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults with opioid use disorder

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Predictors of anxiety recurrence in the Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management (CALM) trial

“…Although many trials have examined the efficacy of short-term treatments in anxiety disorders, few trials have examined how those treatment gains are maintained (Batelaan et al, 2010; Bruce et al, 2005; Calkins et al, 2009; Rodriguez et al, 2005; Scholten et al, 2013). Anxiety recurrence is the emergence of symptoms after remission has been achieved.…”