Why Your Brain Panics?

Ever noticed your heart pounding after hearing an unexpected sound before realizing what is going on? Ever felt anxiety when faced with a scenario which turned out to be harmless? There is an almond-like structure in the brain, which might be involved, the amygdala.

The amygdala is a component of the limbic system in the brain, and plays an important part in the processing of emotions. The amygdala acts as a biological alarm system to help the brain make judgments as to whether a situation might be threatening.

In the event of a perceived threat, the amygdala may activate the fight-or-flight response. The heart rate will rise, respiration is quickened, muscles are made ready for action, and the individual becomes attentive to the possible threat.

What about cases where the brain is subjected to chronic stress or trauma? It appears that there is evidence which demonstrates that chronic stress may have some effect on the size and function of the amygdala. In some instances, there may be structural changes in the size of the amygdala in addition to the possible changes in its function and connectivity with other parts of the brain. It is clear that the statement that the amygdala "shrinks" due to stress is an oversimplification.

It should be noted that in some cases, chronic stress may make the amygdala overly active and increase sensitivity to potential threats.

In essence, the amygdala is not just the fear center of the brain; it is a complex system that enables us to identify dangers and prepare for their possible consequences.