Target Fear of “Going Crazy” to Reduce Suicidality?

Anxiety sensitivity (the fear of fear) encompasses cognitive concerns, discomfort with somatic symptoms, and social worries. Cognitive anxiety sensitivity (e.g., fear of “going crazy”) has been associated with amplified suicidal thinking; presumably, the fear of going crazy when superimposed onto depression could provoke suicidal thinking. To target cognitive anxiety sensitivity and, in turn, reduce suicidal thinking, federally funded investigators developed a computer-based, interactive program, cognitive anxiety sensitivity treatment (CAST).

The 108 community-recruited individuals with total anxiety sensitivity ratings above population means (mean age, 41; white, 68%; female, 54%) were randomized to a 45-minute CAST session or a 45-minute …