There is no hard and fast reason why a phobia will develop; both genes and the environment can be involved. Sometimes, the origin can be relatively easy to understand: someone who witnesses someone falling off a bridge might later develop a phobia of bridges. While there are still many questions left unanswered, scientists have uncovered some of the neural events that underpin phobias. One study also discovered that there was a disconnect between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, which normally helps an individual override or minimize the fear response.
Aside from the fear felt when someone with a phobia meets their nemesis, these individuals are also in a heightened state of arousal; they always expect to see their trigger, even in situations where it is not particularly likely to appear. Some researchers argue that this vivid, fearful expectation plays a significant part in boosting the fear response when they do come across their phobic object.
Another study explored this phenomenon in people with arachnophobia. It found that if scientists told these individuals that they might encounter a spider, activity in their brains differed from control participants without a phobia. Activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex, precuneus, and visual cortex was comparatively lower. The authors say that these brain regions are key for the regulation of emotions; they help keep us level-headed.
A reduction in their activity suggests a reduced ability to keep a lid on fearful emotions. Often, an individual with a phobia will be well aware that their response to the object that they fear is irrational.
The weaker activity in these brain areas helps explain why this might be; the parts of the brain responsible for keeping a cool head and assessing the situation are muted, thereby allowing more emotional regions to play their hand. The fear response has kept us alive. It is primal, and we should respect it.
However, paradoxically, fear is also the source of a highly enjoyable adrenaline rush. Fear inspires filmmakers, roller coaster designers, psychologists, neuroscientists, and everyone in-between. It is a fascinating and multifaceted human emotion.
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But is it an…. If a fear or phobia affects your life in negative and inconvenient ways, speak to your primary care provider, who can help determine the kind of treatment you might need. How to choose a therapist and get the most out of your sessions. Fear Is Physical Fear is experienced in your mind, but it triggers a strong physical reaction in your body.
Fear Can Become Pleasure But why do people who love roller-coasters, haunted houses and horror movies enjoy getting caught up in those fearful, stressful moments? More Resources. Behavioral Health. You Might Also Like. Emotional Health. You are using an unsupported browser Please consider using one of these supported browsers Chrome Edge Safari Firefox.
We can customize our comprehensive program to meet your needs. Contact us today at for a free and confidential conversation about managing your anxiety in a healthy way. Because mental health and addiction concerns are so often interconnected, we utilize research-based approaches with evidence-based outcomes that promote overall healing and recovery.
Copper Hill Dr. We exercise progressive, leading brain science in our treatment approach for patients in our community and across the country who are struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. How Does Anxiety Affect the Brain? Read More. What is Anxiety? Anxiety Floods Your Brain with Stress Hormones When you feel anxious, your body goes on alert, prompting your brain to prepare itself for flight or fight mode.
In an attempt to help you fight off whatever has made you anxious, your brain floods your central nervous system with adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones tell your body that something scary is about to happen. Their role is to help you cope with danger. In order to do that, they sharpen your senses and make your reflexes faster. In a non-anxious brain, when the danger is gone, the sympathetic part of your nervous system takes over and calms you down.
But when you suffer from anxiety, you may not be able to reach that sense of calm. When you deal with anxiety on a consistent basis, your amygdala grows larger. The amygdala is a tiny almond-shaped structure located in the limbic system, the part of your brain that deals with emotions and moods.
When the amygdala notices potential danger, it sends signals to the hypothalamus, which triggers a fight or flight response. In the anxious brain, the amygdala is large and hypersensitive. Because of this, the amygdala sends a lot of false alarms.
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