Reactivity to a 35% CO2 challenge in healthy first-degree relatives of patients with panic disorder.
BACKGROUND
The effects of a 35% CO2 challenge were examined in healthy first-degree relatives of panic disorder patients and in healthy control subjects matched for age and gender.


METHODS
One single inhalation of a 35% CO2/65% O2 challenge was administered to 50 first-degree relatives of panic disorder patients and 50 control subjects.


RESULTS
The first-degree relatives were more reactive to the 35% CO2 challenge than the control subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that being a member of a family with a panic disorder patient is, in itself an important factor in CO2 hypersensitivity among subjects who have never experienced a panic attack. Both panic disorder patients and their first-degree relatives have a tendency to be more reactive to the CO2 challenge.
van Beek
N
N
Department of Psychiatry, University Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Griez
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D002245:Carbon Dioxide