Reassuringly calm? Self-reported patterns of responses to reassurance seeking in XXXX .

@entity1 @entity25515 @entity4697 @entity148 @entity3119
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The perception of threat and associated feelings of @entity148 typically prompt @entity1 to seek safety; reassurance seeking is an interpersonal strategy almost universally used to reduce the immediate perception of risk. @entity25515 ( @entity25515 ) is considered to be particularly prominent and unequivocally counter-productive in @entity1 suffering from @entity148 in general and @entity3119 in particular, producing short term relief but a longer term return and worsening of the original @entity148 . We evaluated the extent and specificity of the effects of @entity25515 in @entity3119 and mechanisms involved in both @entity148 relief and the hypothesized later return of @entity148 .. METHOD: Self rated effects of reassurance seeking were investigated in 153 individuals with @entity3119 , 50 with @entity4697 , and 52 healthy controls, evaluating reactions to the provision and non-provision of reassurance. RESULTS: Reassurance is associated with short term relief then longer term return of both discomfort and the urge to seek further reassurance in both anxious groups; healthy controls do not experience significant resurgence. Greater return of @entity148 and urge to seek more reassurance were associated with higher levels of overall reassurance seeking.. LIMITATIONS: The findings were based on retrospective self-report of naturally occurring episodes of @entity25515 ; prospective studies and induced behaviours are now needed. CONCLUSIONS: Not only is reassurance a quick fix for @entity1 experiencing @entity3119 , but in the absence of treatment the only fix! The findings explain why reassurance seeking continues despite advice that it will worsen @entity148 problems. Such advice is potentially harmful to @entity1 and their loved ones..
