VENTILATORY PHYSIOLOGY OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS

Background: Abnormalities in ventilatory physiology have been noted in adults with panic disorder. We tested the hypothesis that abnormaliti es in ventilatory physiology differentiate children and adolescents wi th anxiety disorders from psychiatrically healthy children. Methods: V entilatory physiology was monitored with a canopy apparatus during roo m-air breathing and 15 minutes of carbon dioxide exposure in 33 childr en and adolescents comprising 18 probands with an anxiety disorder and 15 psychiatrically healthy children. Results: During room-air breathi ng, probands had significantly larger minute ventilation, larger tidal volumes, and more variable breathing patterns than healthy comparison s, but the groups did not differ in end-tidal carbon dioxide or respir atory rate. During carbon dioxide challenge, probands exhibited larger minute ventilation and respiratory rate responses relative to compari sons. Conclusion: These findings on the association between ventilator y physiology and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are con sistent with results from studies of adults with panic disorder.