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Related Concept Videos

Panic Disorder01:27

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Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
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Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
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Related Experiment Video

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Investigating the Neural Mechanisms of Aware and Unaware Fear Memory with fMRI
12:51

Investigating the Neural Mechanisms of Aware and Unaware Fear Memory with fMRI

Published on: October 6, 2011

Neural correlates of spontaneous panic attacks.

Thomas Dresler1, Tim Hahn, Michael M Plichta

  • 1Psychophysiology and Functional Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Fuechsleinstr 15, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany. Dresler_T@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de

Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|January 5, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Researchers studied brain activity during panic attacks in two anxiety disorder patients using fMRI. Neural dynamics in fear network structures like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex correlated with panic attack experiences.

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Investigating the Neural Mechanisms of Aware and Unaware Fear Memory with fMRI
12:51

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Published on: October 6, 2011

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
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08:17

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, significantly impact individuals' quality of life.
  • Understanding the neural underpinnings of panic attacks is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows for the investigation of brain activity during various psychological states.

Observation:

  • Two patients with anxiety disorders experienced spontaneous panic attacks during fMRI scans, leading to premature termination of the measurements.
  • Researchers collected fMRI data up to the point of attack termination and correlated it with patients' subjective verbal reports.
  • Variations in panic attack intensity and pharmacological treatment influenced the observed neural responses.

Findings:

  • For one patient, neural dynamics within key fear network structures, including the amygdala, insula, and prefrontal cortex, closely mirrored their reported panic attack experience.
  • In the second patient, who had a less intense attack and was on medication, the correlation between neural activity and reported experience was primarily observed in the prefrontal cortex.
  • This suggests distinct temporal roles for the amygdala, insula, and prefrontal cortex in the initiation and progression of panic attacks.

Implications:

  • Investigating neural dynamics in real-time, ecologically valid situations offers valuable insights into panic attack mechanisms.
  • The findings highlight the potential differential involvement of the amygdala, insula, and prefrontal cortex during different phases of a panic attack.
  • This research may inform the development of targeted interventions for anxiety disorders by elucidating specific neural circuit dynamics.