Understanding and managing anxiety sensitivity during critical illness and long-term recovery

Boehm, L. M., Bird, C. M., Warren, A. M., Danesh, V., Hosey, M. M., McPeake, J. , Potter, K. M., Su, H., Eaton, T. L. and Powers, M. B. (2023) Understanding and managing anxiety sensitivity during critical illness and long-term recovery. American Journal of Critical Care, 32(6), pp. 449-457. (doi: 10.4037/ajcc2023975) (PMID:37907373) (PMCID:PMC10718181)

Abstract

Anxiety sensitivity is a fear of symptoms associated with anxiety (eg, rapid respiration and heart rate, perspiration), also known as “fear of fear.” This fear is a misinterpretation of nonthreatening symptoms as threatening across 3 domains: physical (“When my heart rate increases, I’m afraid I may have a heart attack”), social (“If people see me perspire, I fear they will negatively evaluate me”), and cognitive (“When I feel these symptoms, I fear it means I’m going crazy or will lose control and do something dangerous like disconnect my IV”). These thoughts stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in stronger sensations and further catastrophic misinterpretations, which may spiral into a panic attack. Strategies to address anxiety sensitivity include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. In intensive care unit settings, anxiety sensitivity may be related to common monitoring and interventional procedures (eg, oxygen therapy, repositioning, use of urine collection systems). Anxiety sensitivity can be a barrier to weaning from mechanical ventilation when patients are uncomfortable following instructions to perform awakening or breathing trials. Fortunately, anxiety sensitivity is a malleable trait with evidence-based intervention options. However, few health care providers are aware of this psychological construct and available treatment. This article describes the nature of anxiety sensitivity, its potential impact on intensive care, how to assess and interpret scores from validated instruments such as the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, and treatment approaches across the critical care trajectory, including long-term recovery. Implications for critical care practice and future directions are also addressed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Dr Danesh was supported by the National Institute on Aging, NIH (R21AG080339). Dr Hosey was supported by the Parker B. Francis Foundation and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH (K23HL155735). Dr McPeake was supported by a fellowship from The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute, University of Cambridge (PD-2019-02-16). Dr Potter was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH (T32 HL007820). Dr Eaton acknowledges support from the VA Office of Academic Affiliations through the VA National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP) and University of Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McPeake, Dr Jo
• Authors: Boehm, L. M., Bird, C. M., Warren, A. M., Danesh, V., Hosey, M. M., McPeake, J., Potter, K. M., Su, H., Eaton, T. L., and Powers, M. B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: American Journal of Critical Care
• Publisher: American Association of Critical Care Nurses
• ISSN: 1062-3264
• ISSN (Online): 1937-710X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2023 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
• First Published: First published in American Journal of Critical Care 32(6): 449–457 Link to PubMed to view author accepted manuscript