| WRITTEN BY Zeemal Ayyaz
| EDITED BY Serena Lee
What lies behind the unsettling sensations that have the power to send shivers down our spines and cause our pupils to dilate? Delving into the science of fear and phobias can shed light on the intricate mechanisms that drive these reactions.
Shedding light on the narrative behind these enigmatic emotions, one may ponder the origins of these dark sensations that seem to emerge from the depths of our subconscious. What triggers these intense reactions, and why do they often seem to arise unexpectedly?
Fear arises as an anticipatory emotion in response to perceived threats to our safety or the safety of others, activated by external cues or internal processes involving the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. Specific phobias manifest as intense and enduring anxieties related to particular objects, situations, activities, or individuals. Those afflicted with specific phobias often go to great lengths to evade the triggers of their fears, despite recognizing the absence of any real threat. This irrational fear can encompass a range of common concerns, such as dogs, heights, tunnels, darkness, water, flying, and injuries involving blood.
The brain serves as the control center for releasing chemical messengers in response to life-threatening situations, triggering the well-known 'fight or flight' response. To better understand the brain, we can divide it into three main regions, each corresponding to different stages of its evolution since the emergence of vertebrates and mammals:
Brainstem: This region, which has remained relatively unchanged for over 200 million years, is responsible for maintaining vital bodily functions and ensuring overall equilibrium or homeostasis. Its function is akin to that of a lizard's brain.
Limbic System: The limbic system, which evolved around 50 million years ago, is the hub for emotional responses, especially fear and aggression, as well as primitive reactions to threats. It bears a resemblance to a rat's brain.
Cerebral Cortex: This part of the brain is responsible for our higher-order thinking, reasoning, language, and self-awareness, encompassing what makes us uniquely human. As our species evolved into primates and eventually Homo sapiens, the cerebral cortex expanded significantly. In essence, you can think of the brain as a layered structure, with the limbic system resembling a rat's brain, overlaying a more primitive 'lizard brain,' and supported by the complex cerebral cortex.
The limbic system, with its connections to both the cortex and brainstem, includes important components such as the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory, and the amygdala, often referred to as the 'fear' center of the brain.
The amygdala is closely intertwined with the processes of perception and response to sensory information. It also shares connections with the thalamus, a crucial relay center that facilitates communication between the cerebral cortex and various brain regions, especially those responsible for sensory input, sleep regulation, and consciousness perception.
These brain structures have evolved to respond to life-threatening situations. Sensory information is rapidly processed, leading to cognitive comprehension and the appropriate reaction: flight, fight, or freeze.
The actions of adrenaline and cortisol impact many bodily systems and functions through three primary pathways, including a “fast lane” known as the Sympathetic Nervous System and a “slow lane” referred to as the HPA Axis. In the “fast lane,” the amygdala quickly processes incoming sensory data, and if the data is interpreted as a threat, it triggers immediate responses in multiple organs, such as dilated pupils, an increased heart rate, and an inhibited digestion, thanks to the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline from the adrenal gland. Simultaneously, the “slow lane,” governed by the HPA Axis, initiates a more gradual response via the bloodstream. Here, the amygdala stimulates the hypothalamus, which, in turn, activates the pituitary gland. The hormones released by the pituitary gland stimulate the adrenal gland to produce a potent hormone, cortisol.
Additionally, incoming information isn't solely processed by the amygdala and distributed by the thalamus. Neural networks in the cerebral cortex are constantly prepared to receive, analyze, and shape signals. Key areas involved in this thoughtful processing include the prefrontal cortex. This cognitive process influences understanding and behavior based on the input received. When the brain perceives information as life-threatening, the amygdala initiates the “fast lane” response, leading to the “fight or flight” reaction and the panic symptoms associated with Acute Anxiety Disorder and phobias. Simultaneously, the “slow lane” HPA system stimulates the release of cortisol, which can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, affecting cognitive and emotional functions.
In the realm of human psychology, phobias and fears take on a fascinating array of forms, from the common to the incredibly unique. Whether it's the fear of beards or the dread of long words, these quirks of the mind showcase the complexity of human emotions and anxieties. While some of these phobias may seem humorous, they can profoundly impact individuals' lives, leading to avoidance behaviors, social challenges, and even personal hygiene struggles. However, it's essential to remember that these struggles are not insurmountable. With the right support and therapy, individuals can overcome these unusual phobias and fears, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of the human mind.
Fun facts:
Pogonophobia: This is the fear of beards. People with pogonophobia may experience anxiety or discomfort around individuals with facial hair, particularly long or unkempt beards.
Chorophobia: Some people have an irrational fear of dancing, known as chorophobia. This can be related to social anxiety and can make social events or gatherings challenging.
Selective Mutism: This is a social anxiety disorder where individuals are unable to speak in certain social situations, even though they can speak in other settings. It's often seen in children and can be linked to specific fears or anxieties.
Evolutionary Origins: Some experts believe that many common phobias, such as the fear of spiders and snakes, have evolutionary roots. These fears may have provided an advantage to early humans by helping them avoid potentially dangerous creatures.
RESOURCES:
https://fearsnphobias.com/neurobiology-of-anxiety/
https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug05/figuring
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Neurobiology-of-fear-and-specific-phobias-Garcia/7a56d757b783991f8ce3192d8e33cbb14999e8f2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580526/
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