A brief guide to understanding PANIC/GRIEF: one of Motional's Social Defence Subdomains and one of the systems identified by Jaak Panksepp during his forty-plus years of research into emotions. What is PANIC/GRIEF and why is it important to understand it?
What is PANIC/GRIEF?
PANIC/GRIEF is one of the subdomains in Motional. It refers to the PANIC/GRIEF system, one of the systems identified by Jaak Panksepp during his forty-plus years of research into emotions and led to the development of what was later called "Affective Neuroscience".
PANIC/GRIEF refers to the neural circuits and associated brain regions that are involved in regulating our response to loss or grief. It is also referred to as the LOSS or SADNESS system because of the way this system is displayed in behaviours (imagine the panic of separation distress in the very young or the sadness involved in loneliness in the very old).
This system plays a crucial role in our emotional regulation and is closely linked to other emotional systems such as FEAR. It is located in the sub-cortical region of the brain. The key brain structures involved in this system include the amygdala, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex.
When an individual experiences loss or grief, the PANIC/GRIEF system is activated. This leads to the release of chemicals such as cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, which can result in heightened emotional states such as sadness and anxiety.
Why is PANIC/GRIEF important?
The role of the PANIC/GRIEF system is to process and respond to the experience of loss or separation from a loved one or important attachment figure.
This system is activated when an individual experiences the loss of a loved one, the end of a close relationship, or other forms of social disruption. It is one side of a two-sided coin.
The other side is the alleviation of PANIC/GRIEF and the associated distress, which provides a deep sense of comfort and security (through the CARE system). This is how we develop strong social bonds.
For children, the PANIC/GRIEF system plays a particularly important role in shaping emotional development and wellbeing.
Children who experience significant loss or separation may be more vulnerable to emotional dysregulation and other mental health challenges. Therefore, understanding the role of the PANIC/GRIEF system and supporting children who are experiencing loss or grief is essential for promoting their emotional resilience and wellbeing.
Why is PANIC/GRIEF capitalised?
Jaak Panksepp established this convention. When PANIC/GRIEF is capitalised it specifically points to a unique emotional system within the brain, distinguishing it from the common usage of the words 'panic' and 'grief.'