Risk-factor research and prevention programs for anxiety disorders: a translational research framework.
The aim of the present essay is to discuss the interconnection between risk-factor research and prevention program development for panic-spectrum psychopathology. We argue that prevention of panic-spectrum psychopathology specifically, and anxiety disorders more generally, is likely to be best advanced through active, systematic translation of basic, risk-factor research. After operationalizing key terminology, we present some exemplar risk-factor candidates for panic-spectrum psychopathology, summarize research related to their role as risk-factors for panic problems, and link this discussion to risk-factor nomenclature. We then present a translational framework for extrapolating extant knowledge on these and other potential risk-factors for panic-spectrum psychopathology with respect to the development of preventative interventions. The proposed translational framework is intended to describe a forward-feeding process by which risk-factor research could be used by clinical researchers to inform prevention programs; and reciprocally, how such prevention knowledge could be most effectively utilized to drive new, clinically focused risk-factor research.
Zvolensky
Michael J
MJ
Department of Psychology, The University of Vermont, Colchester Avenue, John Dewey Hall, Burlington, VT 05405-0134, USA. Michael.Zvolensky@uvm.edu
Schmidt
Norman B
NB
Bernstein
Amit
A
Keough
Meghan E
ME
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D009626:Terminology as Topic