Disentangling Anxiety Sensitivity and Anxiety-induced Physiological Stress Response

Given the debilitating nature of anxiety disorders, a greater understanding of its etiology
and the development of appropriate early interventions are critical. However, due to the
mutually reinforcing nature of anxiety sensitivity (a key component of anxiety disorders)
and physiological sensations associated with anxiety, no previous studies have examined
these two variables separately in response to an acute stressor. The proposed study aims to
investigate these two variables independently using a paradigm combining hydrocortisone,
caffeine, and TSST.

It is hypothesized that when an individual's physiological stress responses (SNS and HPA
axis) are enhanced, he or she will experience greater subjective stress and a lesser sense
of mastery in response to an acute stressor (e.g., the TSST). In addition, anxiety
sensitivity will moderate subjective ratings of stress and mastery, such that individuals
high on anxiety sensitivity will rate the TSST as more subjectively stressful and their
performance as less effectual compared to individuals low on anxiety sensitivity, due to
greater vigilance of interoceptive responses and internal stimuli.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Both male and female participants will be required to pass the telephone-screening
questionnaire. All eligible participants will be 18 years and older.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Full physiological exclusions include: abnormal electrocardiogram (i.e.,
arrhythmias), allergy to hydrocortisone or caffeine, anemia, cancer, chronic pain,
compromised immune system (e.g., HIV), congestive heart failure, diabetes,
diverticulitis, epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal disease
(e.g., bleeding), heart disease, hepatic impairment, herpes virus, high blood
pressure or low blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of stroke, hypothyroidism,
infection/fever in the last 7 days, kidney disease, liver disease (e.g., hepatitis),
migraines/chronic headaches, myasthenia gravis, ocular herpes simplex virus,
osteoporosis, peptic ulcer disease, renal impairment, respiratory disease (e.g.,
asthma), seizure disorder, skeletal muscle disease, spastic colon, strongyloides
infection, surgeries within the last 6 weeks, systemic fungal infection, thyroid
disease, tuberculosis/history of positive tuberculosis test, and ulcerative colitis.

Full medication exclusions include: ADHD medication, antibiotics in the last 7 days,
antidepressants, antiplatelet drugs, anxiolytics, bipolar disorder medication, blood
pressure medication, blood thinners, bronchodilators, drugs for allergies, drugs to treat
hormonal disorders, estrogen, insulin, live vaccinations in the last 7 days, long-lasting
decongestants, pain killers (i.e., NSAIDS: aspirin or ibuprofen), sleeping pills, statins
(i.e., to lower cholesterol), steroids.

Full psychological exclusions include current or previous diagnosis of major depression,
posttraumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, anxiety disorders, or any other
psychiatric condition.