Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI-3) subscales predict unique variance in anxiety and depressive symptoms

•We assessed the relation between anxiety sensitivity subscales and psychopathology.•Only physical concerns predicted unique variance in panic symptoms.•Only cognitive concerns predicted unique variance in depressive symptoms.•Social anxiety was predicted by social concerns.•Posttraumatic stress symptoms were marginally predicted by cognitive concerns.

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) has been implicated in the development and maintenance of a range of mental health problems. The development of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index – 3, a psychometrically sound index of AS, has provided the opportunity to better understand how the lower-order factors of AS – physical, psychological, and social concerns – are associated with unique forms of psychopathology. The present study investigated these associations among 85 treatment-seeking adults with high AS. Participants completed measures of AS, anxiety, and depression. Multiple regression analyses controlling for other emotional disorder symptoms revealed unique associations between AS subscales and certain types of psychopathology. Only physical concerns predicted unique variance in panic, only cognitive concerns predicted unique variance in depressive symptoms, and social anxiety was predicted by only social concerns. Findings emphasize the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of AS in understanding its role in anxiety and depression and their treatment.