Content Specificity in Imaginal Exposure: Evaluation of Subjective and Physiological Responding in Patients with Panic Disorder
Abstract
Although past research has suggested that imaginal exposure is effective in inducing arousal in both social and simple phobics. few studies have examined induction of panic in panic disorder patients via an imaginal paradigm. The present study examines the subjective and physiological effects of imaginal exposure via audiotaped vignette scenarios on patients panic disorder (PD) and nornal controls (NC). Thirty-six subjects (20 PD. 16 NC) were exposed to a series of of four varied-content scenarios (3 threatening in conlent, 1 control). Subjective and physiological measurements were collected and compared to baseline. Content-specific responses were also examined to determine if PD subjects with identified specific content areas of threat would exhibit greater responding to content-congruent scenarios. This idea was partially supported, particularly with regard to Loss of Control and Social threat scenarios. As expected, PD subjects demonstrated greater responding. Twenty percent of the PD patients reported panic compared to only 4% of NCs. There were no group differences in physiological responding. Results support cognitive theories of panic and suggest that individuals with PD exhibit some situational specificity in perception of threat and precipitation of panic attacks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1996
- Accession Number
- AD1011524
Entities
People
- Julie K. Miller
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences