Watch: Tony Soprano's Panic Attacks, Explained

The most dangerous man in New Jersey is brought down, again and again, by his own nervous system: at barbecues, at the racetrack, in front of his crew. Watch the video above, then read what the panic attacks are really about. Full breakdown: Tony Soprano's panic attacks.

The attacks follow a pattern Tony hates to admit: they come at moments of loss or tenderness, not danger. The ducks leaving. A.J.'s vulnerability. The smell of his childhood kitchen in a coma dream. Melfi's framework, that the attacks are grief his body files before his mind allows it, is the show's emotional engine: a man who can order anything except his own feelings spends six seasons negotiating with them, through therapy, medication, affairs and food, and never wins outright.

Quick answer: Tony's panic attacks are triggered by loss and family emotion, not danger, and they are the reason the entire therapy story exists.

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