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Summary-Research is reviewed which suggests that hyperventilation syndrome is an underdiagnosed disorder for the presentation of many patients experiencing apparent anxiety states. In a test of this hypothesis, 21 normal individuals (9 female) underwent a 2 min period of intentional hyperventilation following a 10 min baseline phase. Hyperventilation was accompanied by increased subjective anxiety and tachycardia, and indications of peripheral vasoconstriction. Following hyperventilation, Ss experienced increased levels of state anxiety and perceived autonomic arousal, as indexed by self-report instruments. These results support the hypothesis that undiagnosed hyperventilatory phenomena may be etiologically implicated in states of pathologic anxiety. INTRODIJCIION In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that patients apparently suffering from anxiety states are actually experiencing symptoms secondary to hyperventilation (Lum, 1975; Campemolle, Hoogduin and Joelle, 1979). The reported incidence of hyperventilation syndrome has been estimated to range from 6 to 10% of patients seen by medical specialists (Lum, 1977) and the syndrome is characterized by a broad spectrum of physiological and psychological effects similar to those experienced by patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder or Agoraphobia (American Psychiatric Association, 1980). Apart from general practice, patients with hyperventilation syndrome are often initially seen in emergency rooms, cardiology departments and neurology clinics, only to be eventually referred to psychiatrists or psychologists when no organic basis can be determined for the patient’s myriad and complex array of symptoms. Hyperventilation can be simply defined as the maintenance of ventilatory efforts in excess of metabolic needs, and is not usually detectable through behavioral observation of the patient’s breathing (Magarian, 1982). The presence of frequent sighing, complaints of a dry mouth, and observing the patient licking his lips are suggestive indications for hyperventilation and the diagnosis can be more definitely arrived at through a hyperventilation challenge test. If acute intentional