Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Psychological and physiological predictors of response to carbon dioxide challenge in individuals with panic disorder
Y Rassovsky1, M G Kushner, N J Schwarze
1Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, USA.
Abstract:
Past studies in nonclinical samples have found that suffocation fear, but not a behavioral index of carbon dioxide (CO2) sensitivity (i.e., breath-holding duration), predicts anxious response to CO2 challenge. These associations were examined in individuals with panic disorder while adding more sensitive indices of CO2 sensitivity. Consistent with the earlier studies, the authors found that suffocation fear predicted anxious responding to CO2 challenge but breath-holding duration did not. However, highly precise measures of CO2 sensitivity, not included in earlier studies, did predict anxious challenge responding. These findings support the predictive value and possible etiological relevance of both specific psychological variables and physiological CO2 sensitivity in panic vulnerability. Further work is still needed to determine whether the findings are specific to panic disorder.
Related Concept Videos
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Psychological Responses to Stress
Panic Disorder

