The amygdala is a collection of nuclei found deep within the temporal lobe. There are two amygdala, one in each cerebral hemisphere. The amygdala is recognized as a component of the limbic system, and is thought to play important roles in emotion and behavior. It is best known for its role in the processing of fear however this is an oversimplified perspective on amygdala function.
The fear of snakes and scary movies is in large part due to the function of the amygdala, which responds before frontal lobes weigh in. It’s part of our instinctive brain and serves as your “emotional thermostat.”
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| Amygdala |
Function
Early humans were exposed to the constant threat eg being killed by wild animals or other tribes. To improve the chances of survival, the startle circuit (fight- or-flight response) evolved ie an automatic response to physical danger that allows you to react quickly without thinking.This response is triggered by emotions like fear, anxiety, aggression, and anger.
The amygdalae are most functional in immediate fear situations. Whenever our senses detect a change in our surroundings that could be dangerous, the amygdalae are responsible for preparing the body for escape or defense. This is part of what is known as the startle circuit of the brain, which controls our response to being startled
The amygdala helps to store memories of events and emotions so that an individual may be able to recognize similar events in the future.
The size of the amygdala is positively correlated with increased aggression and physical behavior.
The amygdala in humans also plays a role in the sex drive. It can change in size and shape based on the age, hormonal activity, and gender of the individual. Eg, males who have low testosterone, or who may have been castrated, tend to have smaller amygdalae, and, in turn, may also have a lower sex drive.
Destroying an animal’s amygdala has disastrous effects on its natural alarm system. But that does not make the amygdala the “fear centre”, because the amygdala also has connections coming in from and going out to several other parts of the brain, all of which also are needed to manifest fear.
Amygdala Hijack
Our world is full of stress. We often feel this psychological stress when we see things on the news or social media. eg As cases of COVID-19 proliferate, there’s a pandemic of fear unfolding alongside the pandemic of the coronavirus[5].The amygdala respond to this stress as if it’s a physical threat to an individual. It can take control of the brain and trigger the startle circuit.
The symptoms of amygdala hijack are due to the effects of the two stress hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. Both hormones are released from your adrenal glands to prepare your body to flee or fight.
Techniques to prevent or stop an amygdala hijack include breathing slowly and deeply, slowing down, and trying to focus the mind. This allows the frontal cortex to regain control. An individual can then choose the most reasonable and appropriate way to respond to the situation.
Practicing these techniques regularly can help prepare individuals for stressful situations.
Studies have found that being in the presence of a calm and confident person may help overcome fear acquired through observation of others. For instance, a child terrified by a strange animal will calm down if a calm adult is present[5].
Amygdala and Addiction
Addiction is considered a brain disease rather than a lack of willpower or a character defect.According to a study in Brain Research, a common addiction cycle comprises three stages: preoccupation/anticipation; binge/intoxication; withdrawal/negative affect. Impulsivity often dominates at the early stages and compulsivity dominates at terminal stages.
The amygdala becomes recruited in the final withdrawal stage, where it sends stress signals to the body, driving a person to crave more of their substance.
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