Generalization of Fear to Respiratory Sensations

摘要: Interoceptive fear conditioning (IFC), generalization and a lack of safety learning have all been hypothesized to play role in the pathogenesis panic disorder, but never examined single paradigm. The present study aims investigate whether healthy participants (N=43) can learn both an interoceptive sensation, such generalizes other, similar sensations. Two intensities inspiratory breathing impairment (induced by two pressure threshold loads 6 25 cm H2O) served as conditional stimuli (CSs) differential An occlusion was used unconditioned stimulus (US). Generalization tested 24h after conditioning, using four with in-between CS+ CS- (GSs: 8-10.5-14-18.5 H2O). Measures included US-expectancy, startle blink EMG responses, electrodermal activity respiration. Perceptual discrimination CSs GSs explored task prior acquisition generalization. Results indicate that established for US-expectancy ratings. group low intensity high showed typical pattern responding similarity-based gradient. In contrast, impaired complete fear. Our findings suggest are modulated occurrence discriminatory is closely related