The Neurochemistry of Fear: Understanding the Role of Brain Chemicals, Neurotransmitters and Stress Hormones in Panic Attacks

The Neurochemistry of Fear is a narrative literature review examining the neurochemical and biological mechanisms underlying fear and panic attacks. It explores the roles of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA and glutamate, alongside neuropeptides such as cholecystokinin (CCK-4) and their associated receptors.The paper discusses the involvement of key brain regions, including the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex and brainstem, in fear processing and emotional regulation. It also examines the relationship between the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline.By bringing together findings from existing scientific literature, this review aims to provide an integrated understanding of how neural circuits, chemical signalling and physiological stress responses interact in the development and regulation of fear and panic.Research Type: Secondary Research – Narrative Literature Review.Author: Shradhesh Kumar (Independent Researcher).