Carbon Dioxide Inhalation Induces Negative Feelings
Author Information
Author(s): Griez Eric J., Colasanti Alessandro, van Diest Rob, Salamon Ewa, Schruers Koen
Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht
Hypothesis
Does carbon dioxide inhalation induce negative affectivity in healthy individuals?
Conclusion
Inhalation of carbon dioxide can trigger feelings similar to panic in healthy individuals, and this effect is stronger in younger people.
Supporting Evidence
- Carbon dioxide inhalation induced a dose-dependent negative affect.
- Older individuals were less sensitive to carbon dioxide compared to younger individuals.
- The affective response to CO2 was semantically identical to panic as defined in psychiatric criteria.
Takeaway
Breathing in carbon dioxide can make people feel scared or anxious, just like a panic attack, especially if they are younger.
Methodology
Sixty-four healthy subjects inhaled four different concentrations of CO2 in a double-blind, randomized design, and their affective responses were measured.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported measures of anxiety and discomfort.
Limitations
The study only included healthy individuals and may not generalize to those with anxiety disorders.
Participant Demographics
33 males and 31 females, aged 18 to 65 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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