Panic Attacks

Sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. A panic attack represents a massive activation of the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system, releasing a surge of cortisol and adrenaline — a short-lived 'mega dose' of the body's stress hormones. This flood of stress chemistry increases heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar to prepare for perceived danger, even when no real threat exists. Once the surge subsides, fatigue and trembling often follow as cortisol and adrenaline levels fall.

• Trigger phase: Stress, low blood sugar, caffeine, or anxious thoughts activate the amygdala and hypothalamus.
• Hormonal surge: Adrenaline rises within seconds; cortisol follows minutes later, sustaining the panic.
• Physical symptoms: Rapid pulse, hyperventilation, chest tightness, dizziness from CO₂ drop.
• Recovery: The parasympathetic system restores balance, but a transient low-cortisol fatigue may follow.