Single-Session Anxiety Sensitivity Reduction Program for Trauma-Exposed Adults: A Case Series Documenting Feasibility and Initial Efficacy

The present case series examined a single-session, cognitive-behavioral anxiety sensitivity (AS) reduction program among five trauma-exposed adults. Participants (age range = 19–37 years) reported significantly elevated levels of AS at baseline, a history of posttraumatic stress disorder Criterion A trauma exposure, and no current Axis I psychopathology. The outcomes of the preventive intervention were examined with regard to 3-month postintervention changes in AS, posttraumatic stress, panic attack frequency and severity, negative affect levels, and behavioral functioning and impairment. Results demonstrated decreases in each of the studied outcomes over the examined time period. This preliminary yet uncontrolled data provides empirical evidence of the feasibility and support for the utilization of a brief AS reduction intervention program to target anxiety-related vulnerability among trauma-exposed adults.

► This study evaluated a single-session, cognitive-behavioral anxiety sensitivity (AS) reduction program among 5 adults. ► Participants reported trauma exposure, significantly elevated levels of AS, and no current Axis I disorders. ► At 3-month follow-up, participants endorsed decreases in AS, posttraumatic stress, panic attacks, and negative affectivity. ► This work highlights a promising way to utilize a brief interoceptive exposure program among trauma-exposed individuals. ► Future work is needed to test this intervention within a larger-scale, randomized controlled trial.