Panic symptoms after inhalation of carbon dioxide.
The effects of inhaling a mixture of 35 per cent carbon dioxide and 65 per cent oxygen on the occurrence of panic symptoms defined by the DSM III, was investigated. Compared to a placebo (air), carbon dioxide produced more panic symptoms. If carbon dioxide inhalation was preceded by intake of a beta-blocker (60 mg propranolol), less symptoms occurred than if preceded by a placebo. The results are compared with earlier reports on the effects of lactate infusion. It is argued that panic disorders can be conceptualized as a fear of internal (panic) sensations and that inhalation of a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen may constitute an effective exposure treatment.
D000328:Adult; D000388:Air; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005239:Fear / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000494:pharmacology; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000494:pharmacology; D010200:Panic / Q000187:drug effects*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology
D007773:Lactates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D019344:Lactic Acid; D011433:Propranolol; D010100:Oxygen