Validation of the Spanish version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index in a clinical sample

In this study we validated the Spanish version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) in a sample of anxiety disordered patients. The results revealed that: (1) ASI scores were higher for anxiety disordered patients than for normal control subjects, and higher for patients with panic disorder (PD) than for patients with other anxiety disorders (OAD). In contrast, there were no differences among the groups on the Cognitive-Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire (CSAQ). (2) Using discriminant analysis, we were able to differentiate PD patients from patients with OAD on the ASI, but not on the CSAQ. (3) Results supported a unidimensional factor-structure for the ASI. (4) Data provide cross-cultural evidence for construct validity and concurrent validity of the Spanish ASI, and provide further evidence for the usefulness of the concept of anxiety sensitivity.