Panic attacks aren't indicative of mental instability. Lots of people get them when they're under extreme stress. If anyone ever claims that they are never stressed it's because they're either driving other people crazy or they're in denial. Adrenalin can either be your best friend or your worse enemy.  She was delusional with her belief that someone was out to get her. If her adrenalin was kicking in everyone would be better off if she took flight until she calmed down. She can't run from where she is now and she cannot escape the consequences of murdering her two innocent children.