deepstash
Beta
What is the amygdala?
The Amygdala
- It's an area of the brain located deep in the left and right temporal lobes; it is known as the 'fear center', and has a complex set of functions.
- The two amygdalae that we all have are important for numerous aspects of thought, emotion, and behaviour, and are associated with a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- The activity in our amygdalae is connected with fear conditioning, like our reaction to a negative stimulus, our minds state while staying vigilant, along with the emotional response to pain.
- It also plays a role in shaping our behavioural reactions, especially aggression.
84 SAVES
119 READS
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
5
Key Ideas
There are six basic emotions
In the 1960s, researchers started to study facial expressions that matched six basic emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust.
Some researchers now say there are fe...
Emtion: The concept
- In the 1950s, psychologists were focused on behaviourism while mostly ignoring emotions.
- The word "emotion" did not exist in the English language until the early 17th century.
- For centuries, the mental state to which "emotions" now refer were called either passions or affections.
- In the early 19th century, Scottish philosopher Thomas Brown was the first to propose emotion as a theoretical category. However, he was unable to define it.
The natural-kind view of emotion
When asked to explain in words what emotion is, we may come up with ideas that feel right, such as "sensitivity to events," or "your mind's reaction to experience," but fundamentally, emotions are intangible and the definitions offered are not good enough for science.
Words like "joy" and "rage" describe a set of complex processes in the brain and the body that are not always related.
2
Key Ideas
The Second Brain In Our Gut
The brain and the gut are linked and in constant communication, and about 100 million nerve cells reside in the gut.
Gut bacteria produce dopamine and similar neurotransmitters that are c...
Take Care Of Your Gut
Exposure and consumption of good bacteria are essential for a balanced brain, as it reduces inflammation and makes us more resilient to depressive states and trauma.
These new findings point towards better ways of treatment for psychiatric disorders. It is essential to take care of your gut bacteria for better mental health and a sharper brain.
7
Key Ideas
Experiencing Panic Attacks
- Around 15 to 30 percent of us experience a panic attack at least once in our lives, which is essentially our body’s emergency response system.
- Sym...
Understanding The Panic Cycle
There are three reactions that the body produces when in the grip of a panic attack:
- Catastrophic or danger-oriented thoughts, which fuel the feeling of fear.
- Physical symptoms, like sudden racing of the heart.
- An urge to escape.
Panic And The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) region of the brain is activated during a panic attack, and two opposing components get to work as needed:
- The Sympathetic Nervous System: Releases adrenaline and other hormones to help with the ‘fight or flight’ response.
- The Parasympathetic system: Calms the body and is mostly activated when one is relaxed.