Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Carbon dioxide triggers inborn distress

Carbon dioxide triggers inborn distress

October 03, 2007

PLoS ONE publishes a study showing that inhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2) triggers emotional distress and a panic response in healthy individuals. The findings of the study posit panic as an inborn survival-oriented response. The results may be relevant for a better understanding and the further prevention of emotional disorders.

It has been known for years that small amounts of carbon dioxide provoke a panic reaction in certain anxiety-prone individuals. This led to the "False Suffocation Alarm theory" which posits that panic attacks and anxiety may derive from the dysfunction of a biological "CO2 sensor", evolutionarily designed to alert the organism in case of impending death by suffocation. To test whether such a CO2 sensing alarm system does exist, and whether CO2 effectively controls emotional states, the research team of the Academic Anxiety Center at the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands (prof. dr. E. Griez and coworkers) conducted a study in healthy volunteers breathing increasing amounts of CO2.




Sixty-four subjects performed four double inhalations of increasing doses of CO2, from 0% to 35%, and were assessed with self-report questionnaires. The procedure induced a strictly dose-dependent negative emotion, the higher the CO2 concentration, and the stronger the panic. Interestingly, older subjects exhibited a weaker reaction, suggesting that the underlying protective brain alarm may be blunted in the elderly.

These findings have potentially important implications. First, beyond a particular threshold, increased CO2 has an impact on our mental state, yielding negative psychotropic properties. This knowledge may be relevant in the prevention of emotional disorders. It is for instance well known that persons with impaired respiratory functions, as asthma and obstructive pulmonary disorders, are at risk for anxiety and depression. Second, in the future, scientists may use CO2 inhalation in healthy volunteers as a valid experimental model, amongst other in psycho pharmacological research.

Finally the above results posit panic as an inborn response, expressing the struggle for life in case of impending death, for instance when suffocating. The idea that such a negative emotion naturally proceeds from the disruption of a bodily function, underscores once again the close link between physical condition and mental states.

Public Library of Science



Related Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News Articles Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News RSS Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News RSS
Fish food fight: Fish don't eat trees after all, says new study
What constitutes fish food is a matter of debate. A high-profile study a few years ago suggested that fish get almost 50 percent of their carbon from trees and leaves, evidence for a very close link between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Is global warming unstoppable?
In a provocative new study, a University of Utah scientist argues that rising carbon dioxide emissions - the major cause of global warming - cannot be stabilized unless the world's economy collapses or society builds the equivalent of one new nuclear power plant each day.

Scripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.

Oceans' uptake of manmade carbon may be slowing
The oceans play a key role in regulating climate, absorbing more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide that humans put into the air.

Developing 'green' tires that boost mileage and cut carbon dioxide emissions
A new generation of "green" automobile tires that can boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing safety and durability is rolling their way through the research pipeline.

Berkeley Lab Lends Expertise to India to Promote Energy Efficiency
ndia may rank only a distant fourth in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, behind China, the United States and Russia, but its rapid economic growth rate coupled with aging and inefficient energy infrastructure suggest dire environmental consequences if "business as usual" continues.

Tiny bubbles clean oil from water
Small amounts of oil leave a fluorescent sheen on polluted water. Oil sheen is hard to remove, even when the water is aerated with ozone or filtered through sand.

Health care accounts for 8 percent of US carbon footprint
The American health care sector accounts for nearly a tenth of the country's carbon dioxide emissions, according to a first-of-its-kind calculation of health care's carbon footprint.

Climate studies to benefit from 12 years of satellite aerosol data
Aerosols, very small particles suspended in the air, play an important role in the global climate balance and in regulating climate change.

Controversial new climate change results
New data show that the balance between the airborne and the absorbed fraction of carbon dioxide has stayed approximately constant since 1850, despite emissions of carbon dioxide having risen from about 2 billion tons a year in 1850 to 35 billion tons a year now.
More Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News Articles
The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome

The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome
by Jennifer Stark and Russell Stark (Author)

Learn why changing your breathing can improve your health and well-being through the Butekyo Method. This method will help those with sleep disorders, panic attacks, allergies, hypertension and asthma.

^CarboLime Carbon Dioxide Absorbent - Pre-packaged cartridge, 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) Min.Order is 1 CS ( 12 Each / Case; )

^CarboLime Carbon Dioxide Absorbent - Pre-packaged cartridge, 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) Min.Order is 1 CS ( 12 Each / Case; )
by Medline

CarboLime is a granular solar lime absorbent for the efficient removal of carbon dioxide from closed and semi-closed patient breathing circuits. Contains no potassium hydroxide. Minimum dust levels with the benefits of high surface area and graded particle size. Low bulk density. Low risk of carbon monoxide formation due to good reisistance of dry gas desiccation. Low odor due to reliable control of indicator dye concenntration. Carb-O-Lime Absorbent Granules Efficiently Remove Carbon Dioxide 12 Each / Case;

First Alert CO400 Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm

First Alert CO400 Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm
by First Alert

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, yet many people don't know they are suffering from CO poisoning until its too late. Since symptoms of CO poisoning are like the flu, you might not even know you're in danger at first. That's why a carbon monoxide alarm is an excellent way to protect your family. It can detect the CO you can't see, smell or taste in the air.

The First Alert CO400 carbon monoxide alarm uses an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor-the most accurate technology available. The permanent sensor lasts up to five years. It is powered by two AA replaceable alkaline batteries giving you peace of mind even during power outages. The test/silence button both silences the alarm and allows you to test its functionality. The unit...

Double Gauge Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Regulator

Double Gauge Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Regulator
by Learn To Brew

This is a durable, double gauge carbon dioxide pressure regulator to be used with carbon dioxide tanks. The non-adjustable shut-down safety is built into the body of the regulator where it cannot be removed or easily circumvented. In event of a failure of the regulator seat this safety will respond instantly, isolating the product container from potentially dangerous high pressure. The product container pressure level will not exceed the factory set blow-off of 55 - 65 PSIG. All regulators are pressure tested to assure in-field reliability. Each regulator comes with instructions for proper installation and use procedures Features: * Easy To Read Indicators * Dual Gauge to Show Tank Pressure * Easy To Adjust * Durable

Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion?

Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion?
Also With: CO2Science (Producer)

Al Gore calls the host of negative consequences he predicts will accompany the on-going rise in the air's CO2 concentration "a planetary emergency - a crisis that threatens the survival of our civilization and the habitability of the earth." James Hansen similarly claims that the earth "is close to dangerous climate change, to tipping points of the system with the potential for irreversible deleterious effects," and he contends that "ignoring the climate problem at this time, for even another decade, would serve to lock in future catastrophic climatic change." Do these dire contentions reflect reality? Or do they portray but a marvelously-crafted and hugely-effective illusion? Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion? explores this perplexing problem through an...

Fire Extinguisher Carbon Dioxide 5 Lb.

Fire Extinguisher Carbon Dioxide 5 Lb.
by Global Industrial

KIDDE CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHER Effective for Class B and C fires. Environmentally safe, Co2 gas dissipates quickly leaving no residue and won't contaminate food, valuable materials or electronics. Seamless aluminum cylinder has a durable epoxy paint finish. Long-lasting nickelchrome plated brass valve with stainless steel handle and lever. Includes a heavy-duty wall hanger. 5 year warranty. Non-Returnable. 5 pounds UL Rating: 5B:C

Kidde 900-0107 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Kidde 900-0107 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm
by Kidde Safety

110V Non-Digital AC Carbon Monoxide Alarm With Direct Plug Alarm Only 85 Decibel Alarm Test Reset Button To Reset Alarm Advanced Electrochemical Sensor 5 Year Warranty UL Listed To 2,034 Standard Clam Shell

First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm - SC01CN3

First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm - SC01CN3
by First Alert

First Alert SCO1CN3 smoke and carbon monoxide detector uses ionization method of smoke detection. It features a test button and a silence button that temporarily quiets both the carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. When battery is low, the warning "chirp" and light flashes. The alarm makes different horn sounds and light flash patterns for carbon monoxide and smoke.

  Carbon Dioxide Incubator Accessories for Isotemp/Thermo Scientific NAPCO Models; Roller Base
by Thermo Scientific Forma

Roller Base, Incubator Accessory; For Isotemp DH and NAPCO 8000 Series DH CO2 Incubators; with locking casters and leveling feet

  Carbon Dioxide
Maoi (Primary Contributor)



© 2009 BrightSurf.com