Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
Neuropsychobiology. 2019;78(4):209-217. doi: 10.1159/000502150. Epub 2019 Aug 22.
The 35% CO2 challenge is a well-established method triggering panic attacks under laboratory-controlled conditions. There is an ongoing debate whether single or the joined effects of the instructional set and anxiety sensitivity (AS) can alter the outcome of the challenge.
The present study investigated the effects of instruction manipulation and AS on panic-like response to the 35% CO2 challenge.
Eighty healthy subjects, with high or low levels of AS, were randomized into 4 groups based on standard/manipulated instructional sets as well as 35% CO2 mixture/room air inhalation. Subjects filled in the Visual Analogue Scale of Anxiety (VAAS), the Visual Analogue Scale of Fear (VAS-F), the VAS of Discomfort (VAS-D), and the Panic Symptom List (PSL). Blood pressure and heart rate were measured at pre- and posttest.
Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed greater psychological responses at VAAS, VAS-F, VAS-D, and PSL and higher systolic blood pressure under 35% CO2 challenge if compared to room air inhalation while instructional set and AS did not influence the response.
The present study confirms that neither instructional test nor AS alter the outcome of the 35% CO2 challenge.
35%CO2 挑战是一种在实验室控制条件下引发惊恐发作的成熟方法。目前，关于指导语和焦虑敏感（AS）的单一或联合作用是否会改变挑战的结果仍存在争议。
本研究旨在探讨指导语操作和 AS 对 35%CO2 挑战引起的类似惊恐反应的影响。
80 名健康受试者，根据 AS 水平的高低和标准/操作指导语，随机分为 4 组，分别吸入 35%CO2 混合气和室内空气。受试者填写焦虑视觉模拟量表（VAAS）、恐惧视觉模拟量表（VAS-F）、不适视觉模拟量表（VAS-D）和惊恐症状清单（PSL）。在测试前后测量血压和心率。
分层多元回归分析显示，与吸入室内空气相比，在 35%CO2 挑战下，VAAS、VAS-F、VAS-D 和 PSL 的心理反应更大，收缩压更高，而指导语和 AS 并不影响反应。
本研究证实，指导语和 AS 都不会改变 35%CO2 挑战的结果。
