Question

What is the neurobiology of stage fright?

Answer 1

The neurobiology of stage fright involves the fear circuit based on the amygdala, and the worry circuit that encompases the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CSTC) circuit. So in stage fright, there is intermittent and severe malfunctioning of both of these circuits (panic symptoms with the fear circuit and social anxiety with the worry circuit), and they are triggered in an expected manner by performing in front of an audience.