Question

Sally has struggled with panic attacks for a very long time with panic attacks. In a panic attack, her body goes through exactly the same physiological fight-or -flight reaction that it does in a truly life-threatening situation. The panic attack that wakes her up in the night or occurs out of the blue is physiological indistinguishable from her response to experiences such as the car stalling on the railroad tracks or waking to hear a robber going through your house. Discuss the autonomic nervous system and explain which system is responsible for her body to be readied for action. Expect you to name the system and to explain how it operates when experiencing a panic attack. (6 to 10 sentences are required)

Answer 1

As we know when the panic attack happens Amygdala is involved in the situation .The autonomic nervous system is responsible for visceral motor movements or we can say involuntary movements . It also plays an important part in fight or flight response of the body .It mobilizes the body . The system which does this comes under Autonomic nervous system and is called the sympathetic division In the flight or fight response Amygdala reacts to the threat and the hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system which leads to release of adrenaline .Also the adrenal cortex releases the cortisol to keep the alertness levels constant . This leads to dilation of pupils , dry mouth , fast breathing ,heart pounding ,tense muscles , slow digestion , sweating of palms .