Project Summary

Jonathan Benjamin, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2001) of Ben Gurion University, will investigate panic disorder and explore the theory that the primary feature of panic disorder is a hypersensitivity of brain centers to signals of impending suffocation.  He also believes positive findings may lead to the development of a breakthrough “tool” in predicting panic and a framework for efficient, timely treatment.  Approximately 10% of the population suffers one panic attack, while one-fifth of these will experience recurring attacks (panic disorder).  Having the ability to identify which first-time panickers will develop panic disorder would afford clinicians the opportunity to intervene immediately with psychosocial and/or pharmacological treatments.  One inhalation of a mixture of 35% carbon dioxide (CO) and 65% oxygen can provoke symptoms similar to that of a panic attack in 60% of individuals diagnosed with panic disorder, and in 35% of unaffected first-degree relatives of panic patients, compared with less than 10% of healthy volunteers, suggesting that this test reveals an underlying vulnerability in some panic-prone individuals.  Dr. Benjamin will administer the CO2 test to first-time panickers in the emergency room (with consent), and will re-assess the same individuals six months later for the presence of panic disorder to see if the test is negative for those “single panic attack” individuals without an innate vulnerability to panic, and positive for those whose first attack was followed by recurring attacks leading to a diagnosis of panic disorder.

Program Area: ANXIETY DISORDERS\Panic Disorder

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