AS patients use depressants substances like alcohol, anxiolytics, and analgesics, and avoid stimulants like caffeine, cocaine, and amphetamines. This is because patients with AS try to avoid physiological arousal that may intensify their anxiety. Furthermore, there is a history of people with AS using illicit drugs and opioid dependency. Furthermore, AS patients may fear withdrawal symptoms, and therefore continue abusing drugs, leading to addiction.

AS and Substance Abuse

The high intensity of nicotine withdrawal is associated with higher AS experience. Since many smoke to increase motivation to cope with stressors, high AS induces feelings of anxiety and paranoia which contribute to a greater dependence on smoking.

Smoking and AS

70% of HIV/AIDS patients smoke on a daily basis and engage in other maladaptive health hebaiors including dangerous drinking and sexual activity. 

AS and HIV/AIDS

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

Santa Clara University

- 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?

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

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. 


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