CO2-INDUCED PANIC ATTACKS - A TWIN STUDY

Objective: The authors investigated the role of genetic factors in 35% CO2-induced panic attacks. Method: Ninety twins recruited from the ge neral population were challenged with one-vital-capacity inhalations o f 35% CO2-65% O-2 Probandwise concordance rates were calculated and ra tes compared for monozygotic and for dizygotic twins. Results: A signi ficantly higher concordance was found for 35% CO2-induced panic attack s among monozygotic than dizygotic twins (55.6% Versus 12.5%). Conclus ions: These results suggest a relevant role of genetic factors in 35% CO2-induced panic attacks.