Which system activates an escape response during a panic event?

The fight/flight system (FFS) is essential for activating the body's immediate stress response during situations of perceived danger, such as panic events. This system is part of the autonomic nervous system, specifically involving the sympathetic nervous system, which prompts the physiological changes necessary to deal with threats. When an individual experiences a panic event, the FFS triggers various bodily responses, including increased heart rate, heightened blood flow to muscles, and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. These reactions prepare the body to either confront the threat or flee from it, hence the terms "fight" or "flight."

Understanding how the FFS operates is crucial in contexts such as music therapy, where managing anxiety and panic can be part of treatment goals. This awareness helps practitioners design interventions that support clients in coping with or de-escalating panic responses. Recognizing the role of the FFS allows music therapists to create environments or select music that can help individuals feel safe and grounded, potentially aiding in regulating their responses to anxiety-provoking situations.

Other systems mentioned, such as the digestive system or the sensory system, do not play a direct role in activating the escape response during panic. The limbic system is involved in emotions and memory but is not the primary system responsible for