Fear of Anxiety May Lead to Depression
A new study suggests Fear of anxiety may push worriers into depression. The study was performed at Penn State. The study surveyed 94 volunteers (average age of 19) who were moderate to high worriers. The questionnaires assessed worry, generalized anxiety and depression.
NorthShore University HealthSystem reports, “the responses showed that anxiety sensitivity significantly predicted depression symptoms. The researchers also found that two of the four issues that comprise anxiety sensitivity — the “fear of cognitive dyscontrol” and the “fear of publically observable anxiety symptoms” — specifically predicted depression symptoms. The two other issues — the “fear of cardiovascular symptoms” and the “fear of respiratory symptoms” — weren’t significant predictors of depression”.
Andres Viana, a graduate student in psychology at Penn State said, “Those with anxiety sensitivity are afraid of their anxiety because their interpretation is that something catastrophic is going to happen when their anxious sensations arise.”
Several studies have linked anxiety sensitivity to depression, which suggests that treating anxiety sensitivity may help prevent and treat depression, Viana said
