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Instructional set and physiological response to CO2 inhalation
L A Welkowitz1, L Papp, J Martinez
1Department of Psychology, Keene State College, NH 03435-2001, USA. lwelkowi@keene.edu
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Cognitive instructions did not alter panic rates during carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation in patients with panic disorder. However, reassurance reduced the sensation of breathlessness, suggesting CO2-induced panic is a strong biological response.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research suggests patient instructions may influence responses to carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation.
- The anxiogenic effects of CO2 are a key area of study in panic disorder research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different types of instructions affect panic rates and physiological responses to CO2 inhalation.
- To determine if cognitive manipulations can mitigate CO2-induced anxiety symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven patients with panic disorder and 16 healthy controls inhaled CO2 under three conditions: reassurance, control dial, or basic instructions.
- Panic rates were monitored, and perceived breathlessness was measured using the Borg Scale of Respiratory Exertion.
Main Results:
- Instructional manipulations did not significantly alter panic rates in patients with panic disorder.
- The reassurance condition led to a significant decrease in perceived breathlessness.
Conclusions:
- CO2-induced panic appears to be a robust biological phenomenon, largely independent of cognitive factors like reassurance or illusion of control.
- Methodological rigor, including a large sample size and diverse measures, supports these findings.