Key result
Changes in heart-focused fear were independently associated with changes in chest pain intensity over 14 weeks in patients with non-cardiac chest pain and comorbid panic disorder.
Why the study?
What psychological factors predict changes in chest pain intensity in emergency department patients with non-cardiac chest pain and comorbid panic disorder?
Observational (n=66)
Yes
What psychological factors predict changes in chest pain intensity in emergency department patients with non-cardiac chest pain and comorbid panic disorder?
Effect estimate: B 5.368 (95% CI 0.312-10.425)
p-value: p=0.038
In patients with non-cardiac chest pain and panic disorder, changes in heart-related fear independently predict changes in chest pain intensity, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Suggests heart-focused fear as potential target in non-cardiac chest pain with panic disorder; leaves open whether modification improves outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Panic disorder (PD) is highly prevalent in patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). This study aims to explore the role of psychological factors (PD intensity, anxiety sensitivity, heart-related fear, attention and avoidance) common to NCCP and PD in predicting chest pain levels in patients with both conditions. METHODS: This association was investigated in emergency department patients with NCCP and PD receiving either evidence-based treatment of PD or treatment as usual. Patients were assessed at baseline and 14 weeks later for post-treatment. RESULTS: = 53), changes in heart-related fear was the only factor independently associated with changes in chest pain intensity. Even in patients with PD, fear specific to cardiac sensations seems to play a central role in determining NCCP intensity. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the efficacy of intervention for patients with PD and comorbid NCCP could be improved by targeting heart-related fear and attention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00736346.
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Foldes‐Busque et al. (2016) conducted an observational in Non-cardiac chest pain with comorbid panic disorder (n=66). Heart-focused fear and attention was evaluated on Change in chest pain intensity (SF-MPQ-CP score) (B 5.368, 95% CI 0.312-10.425, p=0.038). Changes in heart-focused fear were independently associated with changes in chest pain intensity over 14 weeks in patients with non-cardiac chest pain and comorbid panic disorder.
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