RISKS OF PANIC IN SCUBA DIVING IV

8/8/2008 by Capt. Darrick Lorenzen | 0 Comments | 400 Views

Can individuals with high anxiety be trained in techniques that will reduce the risks of panic?
 
Dr. Morgan: Apparently not. The use of intervention techniques based upon procedures such as biofeedback, hypnosis, imagery and relaxation in an effort to reduce anxiety responses in scuba divers exposed to various stressors have not been effective. Research has shown, for example, that hypnosis is effective in relaxing scuba divers, but it can also have the undesired effect of increasing their heat loss. Furthermore, relaxation is known to lead to increased anxiety and panic attacks in some “high anxious” individuals. This phenomenon is known as relaxation-induced anxiety (RIA). Individuals with a history of high anxiety and panic episodes should probably be identified and counseled during scuba training classes regarding the potential risks associated with this in diving.
 
Are certain diving activities more likely to lead to panic episodes?
 
Dr. Morgan: Yes. Diver panic is usually caused by objective stresses as equipment malfunctioning, sudden loss of visibility, entrapment (for example, by seaweed or nets), threatening marine life such as sharks, loss of orientation during a cave, ice or wreck dive, and so on. Therefore, diving with faulty or inappropriate equipment, or performing high-risk dives will have a greater potential for panic episodes. However, it should also be noted that the problems resulting from high-risk dives could be prevented or minimized with appropriate training and cautionary actions.