Some people with panic disorders experience intense feelings of fear when their body chemistry changes. One specific substance, called lactate, is being studied to see if it triggers these episodes. Scientists want to know if the chemical itself causes the panic or if it is the way the body perceives the change.
Studies show that giving a person a specific type of lactate can cause panic in some people. However, when people experience high lactate levels during exercise, they rarely feel panic. This suggests that the way the body expects the change matters. For example, if the body expects a change from exercise, it may stay calm, but a sudden chemical change might cause alarm.
Researchers have not found a specific level of lactate that always causes panic. They also found that adding other substances, like glucose, can change how a person reacts to the chemical. More research is needed to see if the brain's ability to ignore certain signals plays a role in how people feel during these episodes.
Common questions
Can lactate cause panic attacks?
Lactate infusions can provoke panic in some people who are susceptible, according to the review. But exercise, which raises lactate naturally, seldom triggers panic. The review suggests the context might matter, but this is still a hypothesis and not proven.
Is exercise safe if I have panic disorder?
The review notes that exercise-associated lactate seldom provokes panic. However, it does not provide safety data or advice. Always talk with your doctor about what's right for you before starting or changing an exercise routine.
Why does lactate from exercise not cause panic like an infusion does?
The review proposes that the brain might interpret lactate differently depending on context. During exercise, lactate is expected, so it may not be seen as a threat. An infusion in a clinic is unexpected and might trigger panic. This idea is unproven and needs more research.
Is there a specific lactate level that triggers panic?
No. The review states that no universal blood lactate threshold or minimum infusion duration for panic has been established. More research is needed to understand if and how lactate levels relate to panic.
