Panic induced by sodium lactate: Electrophysiological correlates

Marked increases in HR, EOG and EMG together with EEG alpha reduction, P 2 -N 2 amplitude reductions of the AEP and paradoxical increases in EEG delta activity indicate that experimentally induced panic states are characterised by physiological hyperarousal.

Abstract

1. This pilot study examined physiological concomitants of lactate-precipitated panic in six patients selected according to DSM-III criteria for panic disorder. 2. Electrophysiological measures of central, autonomic and skeletal-muscular activities were monitored during a baseline period, i.v. administration of 5% D/W and of 0.5 M sodium lactate. 3. Panic episodes were elicited in all patients following lactate administration. Marked increases in HR, EOG and EMG together with EEG alpha reduction, P2-N2 amplitude reductions of the AEP and paradoxical increases in EEG delta activity indicate that experimentally induced panic states are characterised by physiological hyperarousal.