Authors :
Dr. Rohit Dwivedi; Dr. Swati Rai; Dr. Sabahat Hasan; Dr. Deepak Yadav; Dr. Vishal Yadav
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4fry48tx
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may2162
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background:
Panic attacks are acute, sudden episodes of fear and autonomic arousal that disproportionately affect women. This
heightened vulnerability is associated with hormonal fluctuations, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and receptor-level
sensitivity in key brain regions.
Objective:
To explore the neurochemical, receptor-mediated, and hormonal factors contributing to panic attacks in women and
to examine how network pharmacology can help in identifying multi-target pharmacological strategies.
Methods:
We conducted a narrative literature review on neurotransmitters (serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine, CRF), their
associated receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2C, GABA-A, α2-adrenergic, CRF1), and their influence on brain regions like the
amygdala and locus coeruleus. We also utilized network pharmacology frameworks to map compound-target-pathway
relationships for drugs used in panic disorder management.
Results:
Findings indicate that women with panic attacks frequently exhibit altered serotonergic and GABAergic
transmission, hyperresponsive adrenergic signaling, and dysregulated HPA axis activity. Hormonal fluctuations across the
menstrual cycle influence receptor function. Network pharmacology reveals interconnected pathways involving
neurochemical targets and hormonal modulators, allowing for personalized therapeutic opportunities.
Conclusion:
Panic attacks in women are the result of complex interactions between neurotransmitter imbalances, receptor
dysfunction, and hormonal modulation. Network pharmacology provides a systems-level approach to identify new
therapeutic targets and to support the development of multi-targeted, gender-specific treatments for panic disorder.
Keywords :
Panic Attacks, Women, Neurotransmitters, Receptors, GABA, Serotonin, Network Pharmacology, HPA Axis, Estrogen, SSRIs.
References :
- Alshak MN, Das JM. Neuroanatomy, Sympathetic Nervous System. StatPearls. 2024.
- Maren S. An Acid-Sensing Channel Sows Fear and Panic. Cell. 2009;139(4):767–9.
- Vollmer LL, Strawn JR, Sah R. Acid–base dysregulation and chemosensory mechanisms in panic disorder. Transl Psychiatry. 2015;5(5):e572.
- Kim JE et al. The role of the amygdala in panic disorder. Biol Mood Anxiety Disord. 2012;2(1):20.
- Lai CH. Fear Network Model in Panic Disorder. Psychiatry Investig. 2019;16(1):1–7.
- Bystritsky A et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. P T. 2013;38(1):30–57.
- Montoya A et al. The noradrenergic paradox in anxiety. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016;12:541–57.
- Soares-Filho GLF et al. Chest Pain, Panic Disorder, and CAD. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2014;13(6):1016–27.
- Huffman JC et al. Panic Disorder and Chest Pain. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;4(2):54–60.
- Li YD. Male-Female Differences in Serotonin System. Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. 2024.
- Soares-Filho GL et al. Panic attack triggering myocardial ischemia. Int Arch Med. 2012;5(1):9.
- Zhao R et al. Network pharmacology study on Qiangzhifang in panic disorder. Ann Transl Med. 2021;9(16):1302.
- Li J et al. Network pharmacology in traditional Chinese medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023;302:115790.
Background:
Panic attacks are acute, sudden episodes of fear and autonomic arousal that disproportionately affect women. This
heightened vulnerability is associated with hormonal fluctuations, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and receptor-level
sensitivity in key brain regions.
Objective:
To explore the neurochemical, receptor-mediated, and hormonal factors contributing to panic attacks in women and
to examine how network pharmacology can help in identifying multi-target pharmacological strategies.
Methods:
We conducted a narrative literature review on neurotransmitters (serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine, CRF), their
associated receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2C, GABA-A, α2-adrenergic, CRF1), and their influence on brain regions like the
amygdala and locus coeruleus. We also utilized network pharmacology frameworks to map compound-target-pathway
relationships for drugs used in panic disorder management.
Results:
Findings indicate that women with panic attacks frequently exhibit altered serotonergic and GABAergic
transmission, hyperresponsive adrenergic signaling, and dysregulated HPA axis activity. Hormonal fluctuations across the
menstrual cycle influence receptor function. Network pharmacology reveals interconnected pathways involving
neurochemical targets and hormonal modulators, allowing for personalized therapeutic opportunities.
Conclusion:
Panic attacks in women are the result of complex interactions between neurotransmitter imbalances, receptor
dysfunction, and hormonal modulation. Network pharmacology provides a systems-level approach to identify new
therapeutic targets and to support the development of multi-targeted, gender-specific treatments for panic disorder.
Keywords :
Panic Attacks, Women, Neurotransmitters, Receptors, GABA, Serotonin, Network Pharmacology, HPA Axis, Estrogen, SSRIs.