Panic symptomatology and anxiety sensitivity in older adults

Panic symptomatology and anxiety sensitivity (AS) were evaluated in cognizant older adults (mean age over 80 years). Forty-nine percent of the participants reported some panic symptoms and 27% a panic attack during the past year. Symptomatic participants reported related distress, lifestyle restrictions, mild avoidance behavior and concern about future attacks. About half the symptomatic participants reported uncued panic attacks and approximately 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 depression. AS may play an important role in the development of panic in older adults. Panic symptomatology significantly affects the life of many older adults and further evaluation is warranted. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.