Deadly Panic page 2

William Morgan, a professor of kinesiology (the study of human muscular movement) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has studied the panic-response phenomenon for more than 10 years. In previous studies, he found that more than half of all recreational scuba divers experienced panic or near-panic behavior on one or more occasions while diving. Right now Morgan is trying to figure out the factors that might predict panic behavior ahead of time. If divers could be tested for these factors before diving, they may be able to take steps that would make their diving safer, or even save their lives. At-risk divers may also use this information to consider switching to a recreational sport less risky for them than scuba diving.

What are some of the variables that can lead to a panic response? Some possible factors may be a diver's gender, body temperature, respiration rate, protective apparel worn, temperature of the water while diving, visibility underwater, and psychological characteristics like the tendency to be anxious, depressed, outgoing, moody, and so on.