American scientists from Northwestern University in Chicago have discovered the brain region responsible for the emergence of obsessive thoughts about what others think about us. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Advances (SciAdv).
Most people worry from time to time about how they appear in the eyes of their friends, acquaintances or casual interlocutors. These thoughts often concern the evaluation of a person’s words and actions.
In a new study, the team found unusual activity between relatively new parts of the human brain and its older nucleus (the amygdala), often called the “reptilian brain.” The amygdala is responsible for basic social, physiological and emotional responses to a variety of threats.
Scientists used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity by analyzing oxygen levels.
The analysis showed that a special part of the amygdala – the medial nucleus – is responsible for sudden social anxiety and communicates with younger parts of the brain.
The researchers noted that both anxiety and depression are associated with hyperactivity of the amygdala, which can contribute to excessive emotional reactions and emotional dysregulation. A new discovery suggests the disorders can be treated using deep stimulation of the “reptilian brain” with magnetic waves.
previously scientist removed One of the myths about anxiety and depression.
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
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