Panic attacks and anxiety sensitivity in adolescent

Background: Adolescence is linked with a substantial increase in the frequency of panic attacks. However, research on the appearance and characteristics of panic attacks in this age group is very limited. Objective: Apart from the from the frequency of panic attacks, we were particularly interested whether there is a difference between sudden panic attacks and situation-related panic attacks with respect to anxiety sensitivity. Methods: A questionnaire was used for the investigation of 1268 adolescents aged of 12-16 years. Results: 55% of the adolescents had already experienced a panic attack. Adolescents with sudden panic attacks reported cognitive symptoms of imminent physical harm more frequently than did adolescents with situation-related panic attacks. Adolescents with sudden panic attacks or with panic disorders showed the highest means in anxiety sensitivity and depression. Conclusions: The results indicate the central role of cognitive symptoms in agreement with psychological panic disorder models as seen in adults.