Panic induced by sodium lactate: Electrophysiological correlates

Abstract

• 1.

  1. This pilot study examined physiological concomitants of lactate-precipitated panic in six patients selected according to DSM-III criteria for panic disorder.

• 2.

  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.

  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.