You may have come across TikTok or Instagram videos touting taking a sour candy to calm a panic attack.
Does this new trend, shared by social networks, really work? We asked the question to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
Panic attacks are sometimes violent
Panic attacks can be violent and sometimes paralyzing. sudden, “they cause impressive physical symptoms: palpitations, tremors, cold sweats, feeling of suffocation, dizziness, etc.” lists Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
In some cases, they are even accompanied by tetany, an extreme anxious reaction with muscle spasms and tingling around the mouth or hands.
How can sour candies break this spiral?
Do sour candies represent a quick remedy to break the spiral of the crisis? According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, this is not completely absurd.
“Sour (or lemony) candies can help manage an anxiety or tetany attack thanks to their powerful taste, which acts as a distraction, breaking the cycle of anxious thoughts. Their acidity also stimulates salivation, which can slow breathing and reduce hyperventilation, common during attacks.”
This mechanism is based on the principle of “grounding”, a psychological technique which consists of bringing the person back to an immediate physical sensation to interrupt the mental escalation. The acid explosion in the mouth, unexpected and intense, works like a sensory electric shock.
Beware of the risks associated with this technique
However, as sometimes with these types of tricks, there are risks.
“Be careful not to overdo it, especially because of sugar or sweeteners. And above all, not to swallow it incorrectly – with a risk of going the wrong way – in the event of a major crisis leading to a loss of swallowing control. Never force someone in crisis to take a piece of candy, for example” warns our expert.
What to do in the event of an anxiety attack?
When faced with a panic attack, candy can provide occasional support, but it is not a miracle solution. We must learn to defuse the crisis with simple actions, recalled by Dr. Kierzek:
- Breathe slowly, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth for a count of 5;
- Concentrate on an object or a sensation (the touch of a fabric, a familiar sound, etc.) so as not to stay locked in your thoughts;
- Drink water to regulate breathing;
- Voluntarily release certain tense areas of the body: jaws, shoulders, fists;
“And if the attacks become frequent, consult a professional. An anxiety disorder or a magnesium deficiency may be the cause of the problem.” specifies the emergency doctor.
Dr Kierzek also reminds that in certain cases, a prescription for anxiolytics may be considered. “But this must always be part of a long-term stress management strategy: cognitive-behavioral therapy, breathing, sport, balanced diet, restful sleep…” he concludes.