Respiratory control in the treatment of panic attacks: replication and extension with concurrent measurement of behaviour and pCO2.

A case series is reported in which nine patients who experienced phobic and/or nonphobic panic attacks were given a cognitive-behavioural treatment based on the supposition that catastrophic interpretations of sensations produced by hyperventilation played an important role in their attacks. Large and rapid reductions in panic attack frequency and questionnaire report of fear were observed. Patients' resting pCO2 was significantly lower than controls and rose to normal levels during treatment.