pakoreaktio

Pakoreaktio, in Finnish psychology and biology terminology, refers to the instinctive escape response to perceived danger. It is one component of the broader fight-or-flight response described in vertebrate physiology, alongside the fight reaction and the freezing response. When a threat is detected, sensory information is rapidly processed by the amygdala, triggering activation of the hypothalamus and the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This leads to physiological changes such as increased heart rate, faster respiration, release of adrenaline and cortisol, and heightened alertness, preparing the body for rapid movement or evasion.

Behaviorally, pakoreaktio may manifest as running away, seeking cover, freezing, or avoidance. The specific action chosen depends on the context, previous experience, perceived cost of action, and cultural factors. In humans, chronic or inappropriate activation of the pakoreaktio can contribute to anxiety disorders, phobias, or panic attacks when threats are imaginary or non-life-threatening.

From an evolutionary perspective, the pakoreaktio increases survival by enabling rapid evasion from predators or danger. In modern environments, it can be triggered by social stressors, deadlines, or ambiguous stimuli, sometimes resulting in maladaptive patterns if not regulated.

Studying pakoreaktio involves psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral biology. Researchers examine its triggers, individual differences, and its relationship with emotion regulation, attention, and memory. Interventions such as exposure therapy or mindfulness can modulate the response by reducing perceived threat or improving coping strategies.