Chest breathing can contribute to panic attacks by increasing oxygen intake and lowering carbon dioxide levels, triggering physical reactions that the body interprets as threatening. This, in turn, can provoke anxiety, rapid breathing, and a vicious cycle of escalating panic. For some, this may lead to a fear of leaving safe spaces, potentially developing into agoraphobia.
People who breathe using their chest are at a higher risk of experiencing panic attacks. This is mainly due to two factors. First, the muscles of the chest draw more air into the lungs. Second, chest breathing occurs more frequently than abdominal breathing, leading to faster breaths and increased oxygen levels in the blood. When oxygen levels rise significantly, the body may react with discomfort, dizziness, or a sensation of being under high pressure.
This elevated oxygen level activates the body's "fight or flight" mechanism, a reaction that typically helps us handle threatening situations. In real danger, the body's primary function is to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles, enabling a quick escape or defense. However, with chest breathing, this process occurs without an actual threat, creating a physiological readiness for flight or defense. At the same time, carbon dioxide levels decrease, which can trigger physical symptoms typical of a panic attack—such as dizziness, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.
These bodily changes increase awareness of physical reactions, which can heighten anxiety and lead to even faster breathing. This creates a vicious cycle where panic sensations intensify. For some individuals, this process can be particularly problematic and increase the risk of recurrent panic attacks.
However, chest breathing is just one of several factors. At its core, a panic attack is influenced by how we interpret bodily signals, our thoughts, and emotions. The intense fear experienced during an attack can be so overwhelming that it further fuels anxiety. This often results in faster and shallower breathing, worsening symptoms and creating a sense of losing control.
In many cases, people who suffer from panic attacks try to avoid places or situations where they have previously experienced an episode. This avoidance behavior can develop into agoraphobia, a fear of being in places where help may feel inaccessible. DSM-5, the diagnostic manual for mental disorders, highlights that agoraphobia often occurs alongside panic disorder.
Hasan Durna
コメント