Phenomenological similarities between panic attacks and effects of electrical stimulation of the
periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) in humans and rats. Adapted from Jenck et al. [11] and
Schenberg et al. [12].
Spontaneous panic attack
Stimulation of dorsal PAG in humans
Stimulation of dorsal PAG in rats
Intense fear or discomfort
Panic, terror
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—
Intense distress
Aversion
Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate