JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax is investigating a TikTok trend that claims popping sour candy in your mouth provides sweet relief from anxiety and panic attacks.
“I suffer from depression and anxiety,” said Connie Lucey, who told Action News’ Jax Ben Becker that she hadn’t heard of the epidemic, but many others have and you probably will too.
Videos on the platform have garnered tens of millions of views, with contributors raving about their sour techniques.
In one video, a TikTok user says, “My therapist told me to eat Warhead whenever I feel a panic attack coming on. Nothing has ever gotten me out of a panic attack so quickly.”
In addition to Warheads, there are other candies such as Airheads and Sour Patch Kids.
“When you think of sour power, what do you say?’” Becker asked licensed psychologist Dr. Justin D’Arienzo. “I think of it as a distraction that packs a punch.” The science behind sour candy is that it contains acidic ingredients that release a surge of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward.
“It’s mind-stopping. It’s a grounding technique,” D’Arienzo says, “and when you eat it stimulates your brain’s natural reward system. Think about spicy food. It really has the same effect.”
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 19.1% of people over the age of 18 in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental illness in the country.
The CDC, Department of Health and Human Services, and Cleveland Clinic all link anxiety and panic attacks to depression.
Some experts are calling this an epidemic of misfortune. People have more choices than ever before, from food to shopping to information on their smartphones.
D’Arienzo said Sour Power also has its weaknesses.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
“To be clear, this is a tool for acute symptoms. It’s not a cure for anxiety or depression, so it’s not a substitute for psychotherapy or medication if needed,” D’Arienzo said.
What exactly is a panic attack? According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Feeling out of control
- Fear of death or impending doom
- My heart is pounding
D’Arienzo says if you buy sour candy, make sure it’s a well-known brand in a store and not one you find online, because you don’t know what ingredients are in the candy.
click here To download the free Action News Jax news and weather app, click here Download the Action News Jax Now app on your smart TV click here Livestream Action News Jax.
