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Table 1: 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 — — Intense distress Aversion Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate Tachycardia Tachycardia Sweating Sweating — Trembling or shaking Sensation of vibration — Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering — Tachypnea — Hyperventilation Hyperventilation — Apnea — Chest pain or discomfort Chest and heart pain — Nausea or abdominal distress Bladder voiding urge Micturation — — Defecation Fear of dying “Scared to death” Escape responses Chills or hot flushes “Burn/cold” sensations —