Five percent carbon dioxide challenge: valid analogue and marker of panic disorder?
The administration of 5% carbon dioxide (CO2) to patients with panic disorder (PD) induces a behavioral response similar to a naturally occurring panic attack. This article reviews the literature on the nature and incidence of this response. We conclude that the 5% CO2 challenge test is a valid and useful laboratory analogue of naturally occurring panic attacks, and shows promise as a marker to identify a subset of PD patients. Though further research on reliability, validity, and dose-response effects must be conducted, the CO2 challenge test provides important information regarding the phenomenology of panic states.
Sanderson
W C
WC
Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467.
Wetzler
S
S
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005239:Fear / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010200:Panic / Q000502:physiology
D002245:Carbon Dioxide