Vulnerability to 35% CO2 of panic disorder patients with a history of respiratory disorders.
Patients with panic disorder often report a history of respiratory pathology. Furthermore, panic disorder patients are vulnerable to CO2 challenges. The increased CO2 vulnerability displayed by panic disorder patients may be related to lifetime respiratory pathology. We examined whether panic disorder patients with a history of respiratory disorders are more vulnerable to a 35% CO2 challenge than those without such a history. Ninety-six patients with panic disorder were interviewed about their lifetime respiratory status (asthma, bronchitis and various other respiratory conditions) and underwent the challenge. Immediately before and after the CO2 inhalation, the patients filled out the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) and the Panic Symptom List (PSL). We found no differences between the two panic disorder groups on anxiety (VAS-A), panic symptoms (PSL) or panic attacks after the CO2 challenge. Our results suggest that having a PD is an important factor in CO2 vulnerability independent of a history of respiratory disorders.
van Beek
Nicole
N
Maastricht University, Departmant of Psychiatry, PO Box 616, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands. N.vanBeek@pn.unimaas.nl
Perna
Giampaolo
G
Schruers
Koen
K
Verburg
Kees
K
Cucchi
Michele
M
Bellodi
Laura
L
Griez
Eric
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide