In this episode, I discuss panic attacks and underlying vulnerabilities that can increase the sensitivity of our alarm system.
* What is a panic attack and what does it feel like?
* What neurotransmitters are involved?
* What is panic disorder?
* What nutritional, genetic, and hormonal factors can be at play?
* What types of inflammation and toxicity can lead to panic attacks?
* How do the immune, limbic and autonomic nervous system contribute?
* How does insecure attachment, trauma and stress interact with these other vulnerabilities?
Takeaways
* Panic attacks occur when the brain’s alarm system is overly sensitive.
* Physical symptoms of panic attacks can be debilitating and terrifying.
* Underlying physiological factors contribute to vulnerability to panic attacks.
* Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and GABA play crucial roles in panic disorders.
* Hormonal imbalances, especially in women, can increase the likelihood of panic attacks.
* Mast cells are involved in the immune response and can trigger panic symptoms.
* Biotoxins, such as mold toxins, can contribute to mast cell activation, limbic system dysfunction and autonomic nervous system dysfunction
* Limbic system dysfunction can lead to heightened anxiety and panic.
* The autonomic nervous system regulates our fight or flight response.
* Emotional stressors and trauma can contribute to panic attacks, but appear to be aligning with other physiologic vulnerabilities
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Panic Attacks
03:07 Physiological Factors Behind Panic Attacks
06:00 Neurotransmitters, Nutrient Levels and Panic Disorder
08:52 The Role of Genetic Variants & Hormones in Panic Attacks
12:07 Inflammation and Panic Attacks
14:53 Mast Cells - The Bridge Between the Immune & Central Nervous Systems
18:06 Biotoxins and Their Impact on Panic
21:00 Limbic System Dysfunction and Panic
24:11 The Autonomic Nervous System’s Role
26:45 Emotional Stressors and Panic Attacks
As always, I welcome any comments and questions. Your interests and what you care about helps guide the information I share. Also, its really nice for me to be in conversation and learning from you.
Until next time,
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Medical Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
