End of panic attacks? A new brain discovery may find a solution. Know in detail

In a major breakthrough, scientists have found a brain circuit consisting of neurons and the circuit regulates panic-like symptoms in mice. Their findings were published Thursday in the journal Nature Neuroscience. The findings of the researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California have been published in the journal 'Nature Neuroscience'. Now the scientists would map the regions, neurons and connections in the brain that mediate panic attacks. It may pave the way for the treatment of panic attacks in humans.

Brain’s fear center

Senior study author Sung Han, an associate professor at Salk, said in a statement, "Previously, we thought the amygdala, known as the brain’s fear center, was mainly responsible, but even people who have damage to their amygdala can still experience panic attacks, so we knew we needed to look elsewhere."

He said further "Now, we’ve found a specific brain circuit outside of the amygdala that is linked to panic attacks and could inspire new panic disorder treatments that differ from currently available panic disorder medications that typically target the brain’s serotonin system."

Panic disorder

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 11% of Americans experience a panic attack each year. It also reported 2% to 3% of the US population suffers from a panic disorder.

This area of the brain produces the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, which regulates stress responses. The researchers studied the PBL’s role in generating panic and spurring emotional and physical changes in mice.

Stress-related behaviors

Explaining the research and its potential impact, co-first study author Sukjae Kang, a senior research associate in Han’s lab said, "Emotional and stress-related behaviors have been associated with PACAP-expressing neurons in the past."

Kang added that by mimicking panic attacks in the mice, the researchers were able to watch those neurons’ activity and discover a unique connection between the PACAP brain circuit and panic disorder.

FAQs:

Where have the scientists found the brain circuit that regulates panic?
The scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California have found a brain circuit consisting of neurons and the circuit regulates panic-like symptoms in mice.

How will this research impact the treatment of panic in humans?
Senior scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California have found a specific brain circuit outside of the amygdala that is linked to panic attacks and could inspire new panic disorder treatments that differ from currently available panic disorder medications that typically target the brain’s serotonin system.