This study tested an intervention to enhance resilience among people at risk for developing panic disorder. Participants (N = 50) high in anxiety sensitivity (fear of anxiety symptoms) were randomly assigned to either four sessions of resilience-enhancing interpretation bias modification (CBM-I) or a control (Sham) condition. Following the intervention, participants engaged in a 7.5 % steady state carbon dioxide (CO2) breathing challenge, an established panic stressor. In line with hypotheses, CBM-I resulted in an increase in resilience-congruent interpretations (though no change for general panic interpretation bias) at post-training, and a trend for a greater reduction in anxiety sensitivity at 2-month follow-up. Additionally, CBM-I resulted in less intense cognitive symptoms of panic during the CO2 challenge, though not less intense physical or total panic symptoms. These results, though somewhat mixed, provide preliminary support for the value of training resilience using CBM-I.
