[Reading Science] Panic Disorder Due to Masks?

There are people who experience panic attacks when wearing masks. If breathing is difficult while wearing a mask, it is not necessary to wear a high-grade mask.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has changed many aspects of our daily lives. Wearing masks all day long is one of the new norms in our daily routine. Wearing masks has become the best defense to protect our health.

However, there are people who are afraid of wearing masks. They feel like their nose and mouth are blocked, causing a lack of oxygen, which makes them feel suffocated and anxious, so they try to avoid wearing masks. These are patients with 'panic disorder.' People who had overcome panic disorder through long-term treatment are reportedly experiencing panic attacks again when wearing masks.

Until now, masks were worn briefly when going out to protect against fine dust or yellow dust. But as COVID-19 spread into a pandemic worldwide, people have to wear masks not only when going out but also indoors while working all day long, leading to a noticeable increase in people complaining of panic disorder.

The medical community claims that masks can cause a feeling of suffocation, triggering panic attacks. The mask grade recommended by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is 'KF80' or higher. KF80 masks block 80% of fine dust particles with an average size of 0.6㎛.

The highest grade mask is KF99, which removes 99% of fine dust particles averaging 0.4㎛ in size, followed by KF94, which blocks 94% of fine dust particles averaging 0.4㎛.

There is a mask grade with even higher fine dust blocking effectiveness called 'N95.' This grade is classified by the United States and is a medical mask designed to prevent respiratory infections for doctors and nurses who come into contact with patients, not for general public use. It blocks particles sized 0.02~0.2㎛, making it safer than KF99.

The problem is that high-grade masks like N95 or KF99 can actually make breathing difficult. KF94 masks also have considerable breathing resistance, making them difficult for the general public to wear in daily life. Despite this, N95 masks, which are cup-shaped and considered safe, have experienced shortages. Ironically, very few people actually wear N95 masks in everyday life.

Wearing such high-grade masks can actually trigger panic attacks. The strong filter that filters outside air increases inhalation resistance, causing carbon dioxide to accumulate inside the mask. This raises the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood, sending a signal to the brain that oxygen is insufficient, leading to a fear of suffocation and death, which triggers an attack if the mask is not removed.

However, it is said that wearing a mask does not actually put life in danger. Unless a person has other respiratory problems, oxygen deficiency due to mask-wearing does not occur. Panic attacks happen not because of an actual life-threatening situation, but due to the fear that one might die immediately.

People fall into a terrifying feeling of suffocation, making breathing even harder, and soon feel as if they are suffocating to death. Those who have experienced this become afraid of wearing masks. Experts emphasize that such people do not necessarily need to wear high-grade masks. The KF80 grade recommended by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is advised for use when meeting many people.

When going out, a cotton or non-woven fabric mask that can block droplets is sufficient. Some people collapse on the street due to panic attacks, which can cause them to be suspected as patients. If breathing becomes difficult, it is better to briefly remove the mask even if it draws others' attention.

Even those with panic disorder can overcome it through mask-wearing practice. Start with 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, gradually increasing the wearing time to adapt. If wearing a mask is truly frightening, one can avoid crowded places, keep distance during conversations, and practice social distancing by maintaining a certain distance from others while walking or using public transportation.