Psychophysiological assessment of panic state using mental task

Abstract

In order to assess psychophysiological state of the hyper arousal, pulse transit time during a mental task was analyzed using the ECG R-wave finger plethysmogram onset asynchrony (RPA) measurements. As the mental task, we used the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST). As the experimental condition, a balloon burst setting with time limit and narration comprehension test were used. Under balloon burst setting experimental condition, measured RPAs were shorter than these in control condition. The result suggested that the RPA is a possible tool for the assessment of panic state through the autonomic responses.