The fight or flight response is controlled by the amygdala, which is located in both hemispheres of the brain, within the temporal lobes. When you sense a threat or are fearful, this sets off the amygdala, which then sets off the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). The following diagram illustrates how the amygdala […]
I have a fear of heights and driving over bridges- help!
Question Details: I’ve always been afraid of heights, and have always been afraid of crossing bridges. I didn’t have to worry about bridges growing up, as I lived in a town that did not have large bridges, and I could avoid the few that were in my town. However, I graduated from college and landed […]
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What is an essential element of the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
An essential element in the diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is the presence of unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) which induce significant anxiety symptoms. The anxiety then prompts you to engage in repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) which serve to reduce your anxiety over the short term. So the diagnosis of OCD requires the presence of both […]
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What is the difference between agoraphobia and claustrophobia?
This is a frequently-asked question, the difference between agoraphobia and claustrophobia. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in places where you might have a panic attack or escape might be difficult. Some people with panic disorder go on to also develop agoraphobia. As agoraphobia progresses, you increasingly become home-bound, as you are fearful of places […]
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Blood flow changes during the fight-or-flight response
During the fight or flight response, blood is diverted to the skeletal muscles from other systems to prepare the body to either fight or run from the danger or threat. So when a threat is sensed, the amygdala is triggered and sets off the locus coeruleus, which then sets off the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic […]
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Can barometric pressure cause anxiety?
Question from Viewer: Hello, I have been suffering from chronic GAD, panic attacks and crippling depression for nearly 5 years. It’s been so bad that it led me to severe alcohol abuse for 4 years. I am now sober. I know some past traumatic events may have contributed to my condition however, I have noticed […]
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I have no adrenaline response- how can I increase it?
Accompanying Details to the Question: I seem to be listless, with no energy. Whenever I start a project, I never complete them on time, and it does not turn out right. How do I increase my adrenaline to give my projects some good energy to make something awesome? Answer: The adrenaline response is also known […]
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Is Agoraphobia a Specific Phobia or a Social Phobia?
No- agoraphobia is not a social phobia or a specific phobia. Agoraphobia is a fear of places where escape may be difficult or help may not be available in the event of you having a panic attack or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms (fear of falling, fear of incontinence, etc.). Furthermore, agoraphobia diagnosis requires the […]
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Can Alcohol Help Stage Fright?
Initially, alcohol can help with stage fright, also known as performance anxiety, which is a type of social anxiety. The alcohol does tend to take the edge off, as it is effective at reducing anxiety in the short term. But this effect does not tend to last. The biggest problem with alcohol is that it […]
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Does Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Get Worse With Age And Does It Go Away?
To answer the first part of your question, OCD, or obsessive compulsive disorder, does not necessarily get worse with age, but it is an illness that lasts a long time. You can recover from OCD. But as time goes on, most people with OCD have a relapse- in other words, most people with OCD, once […]
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