Individuals with high AS report feeling immense distress during physical activity and experience shortness of breath and physiological arousal, which triggers anxiety. Therefore, they avoid daily exercise, which worsens their physical chronic condition.


AS and Physical Activity

Individuals with AS have a higher likelihood of having chronic medical conditions because they do not adhere to medication to avoid its side effects. For example, patients with HIV refuse to take medications due to fear of having gastrointestinal disturbance, and patients with heart conditions avoid symptoms of dizziness and palpitations caused by the prescriptions. 

AS and Medication Use

Patients with AS often tend to avoid preventative dental/medical care out of fear that simple procedures during a doctor's examination can lead to sensations of discomfort,  pain, or be a manifestation of a more severe illness. People with AS have greater tooth decay, gingivitis, and long-term medical issues.

AS and Preventative Treatment

When patients with AS encounter an unpleasant situation, they reported feeling fear and physiological aroual, which triggers anxiety.

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- Fear of Chronic Medical Conditions
- Avoidance of Daily Activities
- Engagement in Unhealthy Practices
- Pathophysiological Alterations

Effects of AS

Horenstein, Arielle, et al. “How Does Anxiety Sensitivity Increase Risk of Chronic Medical Conditions?” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, vol. 25, no. 3, 2 Apr. 2018, https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12248. 

How does anxiety sensitivity increase risk of chronic conditions?

AS and Avoidance of Healthy Activities

When patients have AS and chronic health conditions, the former exacerbates the latter since it induces fear, and therefore, vulnerability to symptoms of the physical conditions. 


AS and Fear of Physical Chronic Conditions

The motivation to avoid symptoms of anxiety in AS patients makes them turn to unhealthy practices which are detrimental to their health.

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