The assessment and treatment of performance anxiety in musicians

Article Abstract:

Little research has been devoted to the assessment and treatment of performance anxiety in musicians, but there is evidence to suggest that the problem is a significant one. A survey of 2,212 professional classical musicians reported that 24 percent experienced performance anxiety, and 16 percent described the problem as severe. These musicians were most frequently treated with beta blockers, which lower heart rate and tremors and possibly anxiety as well. Of the 25 percent of those surveyed who had tried psychological interventions, 60 percent reported that they had been effective. The present study compared the treatment effects of buspirone (an anti-anxiety drug), cognitive-behavior therapy, and a combination of the two among 94 patients with performance anxiety, all of whom fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for social phobia. The four treatment conditions included six weeks of buspirone, six weeks of placebo, a five-session cognitive-behavioral therapy group with buspirone, or placebo. Outcome was measured by self-reports of anxiety, heart rate measures during a performance in the laboratory, a questionnaire measuring performance confidence, and a blind rating of the quality of the musical performance. During pre-treatment evaluation, most subjects had substantial increases in anxiety and heart rate during performance in the laboratory. Cognitive-behavior therapy was significantly effective in reducing subjective anxiety; musical confidence and the quality of musical performance improved as well. Buspirone was not effective in reducing performance anxiety among this group of musicians. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Care and treatment, Evaluation, Anxiety, Cognitive therapy, Musicians, Buspirone hydrochloride, Buspirone

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Panic attacks in young adolescents

Article Abstract:

Adults with panic disorder often note their first attack occurred at an early age. However, there are no definitive theories regarding this condition in children. A group of 95 ninth graders were interviewed and four symptoms were used in determining whether they experienced panic attacks. Of this group, 11.6 percent met the criteria for panic disorder, confirming that this condition is not just confined to adults. A stronger tendency toward anxiety and depression was observed in these adolescents, similar to patterns noted in adults diagnosed with panic disorder. A factor affecting the incidence of panic attack in the adolescent group was parental separation or divorce, which suggests that this may be a risk factor for developing panic disorder. An association was also observed between smoking cigarettes and panic attacks. However, it was not clear if this implies a predisposition of adolescents experiencing panic attacks to smoke or if the attacks are triggered by smoking withdrawal. It is commonly believed that there is some relationship between alcohol abuse and anxiety disorders occurring in adults, but no significant pattern could be found between alcohol use and panic disorders in these adolescents. It was suggested that the age of the adolescents may account for the low incidence of alcohol use.

Research, Diagnosis, Risk factors, Panic disorders, Panic disorder, Adolescent psychology, Panic attacks

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