What causes panic attacks, and how can you prevent them? - Cindy J. Aaronson

Important Vocabulary Words From The Video

overreaction

An overreaction is a reaction that is too strong or too much. Sometimes people use the word to describe a reaction that is not really appropriate.

  • The school district overreacted when they canceled the class.
  • The police department overreacted when they shot the suspect.
amygdala

The amygdala is a part of the brain that is responsible for the emotions that we feel. It is also responsible for the decisions that we make based on our emotions.

  • The amygdala is responsible for the fear that we feel during a scary movie.
  • The amygdala is also responsible for the emotions that we feel when we are attracted to someone.
perceives

To perceive something is to understand it, to be aware of it. When you perceive a color, you are seeing the color that is reflected in the light.

  • The child perceives the world in a different way than the adults do.
  • The scientist is trying to understand the perception of color.

Hyperventilation is a condition in which a person breathes too much air. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and panic.

  • She hyperventilated when she saw the snake.
  • He hyperventilated while he was running.

When you're feeling lightheaded, you're not very sure what's going on. Your balance is off, and you might feel like you're going to faint.

  • She felt lightheaded and unsteady after she took the drug.
  • I felt a lot of lightheadedness after I ate the pizza.
prefrontal

The prefrontal cortex is located in the front of the brain. It is responsible for a lot of your cognitive abilities, such as decision making, planning, and problem solving.

  • The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the decision to fire the employee.
  • The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the plan to rob the bank.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for maintaining balance in the body. It works in opposition to the sympathic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight or flight response.

  • The parasympathetic nervous system is activated when you are feeling relaxed.
  • The parasympathetic nervous system is activated when you are feeling scared or threatened.
escalate

To escalate something is to make it more serious or serious than originally intended. If you escalate a dispute, you are trying to make it as serious as possible.

  • He escalated the argument by calling her a name.
  • The conflict escalated when the other party started attacking the city.
instill

To instill something is to give it a sense of meaning or purpose. When you instill a sense of patriotism in a child, you're giving them a reason to fight for their country.

  • The teacher tried to instill a sense of order into the classroom.
  • The governor tried to instill a sense of discipline into the school system.