Anxiety Sensitivity: Fear of Fear

  People with high sensitivity to anxiety (AS) have a tendency to overinterpret typical manifestations of anxiety as a sign of danger. This type of sensitivity is considered to be a psychological risk factor. In fact, clinical and epidemiological studies of anxiety disorders have been conducted on the subject. Research indicates that high levels of anxiety sensitivity predict the onset of anxiety symptoms and panic attacks (McLaughlin & Hatzenbuehler, 2009; Calkins et al., 2009). They also predict the emergence of anxiety and depressive disorders. In addition, an investigation found that they were a predictor of the persistence of anxiety disorders. Anxiety…