# 145: The Psychology Behind Panic Attacks - What’s Really Happening & What Helps Artwork

The Lemon Tree Coaching

Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast—where emotional depth meets grounded psychology. Hosted by Dr. Allison Sucamele, this podcast is a sanctuary for anyone ready to do the inner work, face their shadow, and cultivate a life that feels authentic, aligned, and alive.

Each episode explores the psychology behind emotions, relationships, nervous system healing, and self-awareness. Whether you're navigating heartbreak, burnout, betrayal, people-pleasing, or the desire for deeper meaning, you'll find thoughtful reflections, symbolic storytelling, and powerful insights to help you bloom—one truth at a time.

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The Lemon Tree Coaching

# 145: The Psychology Behind Panic Attacks - What’s Really Happening & What Helps

December 17, 2025 • Dr. Allison Sucamele • Episode 145

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Panic attacks can feel terrifying, disorienting, and deeply personal, but they are not a failure of character or strength. In this episode of The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast, we unpack what panic attacks actually are through a neuroscience-informed lens.

We explore how the brain’s alarm system misfires, why panic often begins before conscious thought, and how the body’s survival wiring creates sensations that feel life-threatening, even when you’re not in danger. Drawing from research by Dr. Joseph LeDoux, Dr. Stephen Porges, Dr. Alicia Meuret, and others, this episode explains why panic loops form, why some nervous systems are more vulnerable, and why the aftermath can leave you feeling wiped out.

We also dive into science-backed, real-time tools that interrupt panic as it’s happening - including breath regulation, orienting, temperature shifts, vagal stimulation, and yes, even sour candy. These are not trends - they’re bottom-up nervous system interventions grounded in research.

If panic has ever made you feel broken, weak, or out of control, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools to help you understand what your body is trying to communicate, and how healing is possible.

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📚 References & Resources

LeDoux, J. (2015). Anxious: Using the Brain to Understand and Treat Fear and Anxiety
Clark, D. M., & Salkovskis, P. M. (1988). Catastrophic misinterpretation in panic disorder
Kendler, K. S. et al. (2001). Genetic epidemiology of panic disorder
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score
Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory
Meuret, A. E. et al. (2012). Capnometry-assisted respiratory training for panic disorder
Levine, P. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice
Craig, A. D. (2009). Interoception and awareness of bodily states

⚠️ Brief Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and reflective purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, medical advice, or diagnosis. If you are struggling or in crisis, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.). If you are outside the U.S., please seek local support resources.