Panic symptomatology and anxiety sensitivity in older adults

Panic symptomatology and anxiety sensitivity (AS) were evaluated in cogniza nt older adults (mean age over 80 years). Forty-nine percent of the partici pants reported some panic symptoms and 27% a panic attack during the past y ear. Symptomatic participants reported related distress, lifestyle restrict ions, mild avoidance behavior and concern about future attacks. About half the symptomatic participants reported uncued panic attacks and approximatel y half the participants who experienced panic during the past year reported panic symptom onset after age 60. AS predicted significant unique variance in panic symptomatology even after controlling for life-stress and depress ion. AS may play an important role in the development of panic in older adu lts. Panic symptomatology significantly affects the life of many older adul ts and further evaluation is warranted. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.