Findings

The findings suggest that the cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating perfectly-timed behavioral responses to threatening stimuli. But cerebellar dysfunctions can cause havoc with perfectly-timed freeze responses. Without a well-functioning cerebellum, the freeze response lasts too long.

Paci et al. (2022)'s research sheds light on why crippling anxiety is so immobilizing and may provide a new target for anxiolytic medications.