Many people have never even heard the word amygdala, although this small, almond-shaped part of the brain determines how you respond to stress or threats, as early as four years before these reactions occur. Researchers from Duke University found that measuring the activity of the amygdala can predict which of us are likely to develop anxiety or depression.
To test this hypothesis, they scanned the brains of 753 healthy college students while they were looking at images of angry or fearful faces. Then, using fMRI technology, they measured activity in the amygdala to determine how active it was in response to the threatening stimuli.
Every three months after the fMRI measurements were taken, the participants answered questions assessing stressful life events, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. Of the original participants, nearly 200 went on to complete the surveys every three months for an average of two years, and some kept taking the surveys for up to four years. The remaining participants were not followed after the initial fMRI tests. (See Preventing Depression and Anxiety)
Those with more reactive amygdalae at the start of the study were found to experience more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression in response to later stressful life events.
This week, pay attention to what you need to learn to get yourself out of amygdala hyperactivity. You may need more self-care, self-respect, self-nurture. If you need a coach, find one, but discover for yourself what works. You deserve it, and our world needs it.
This health tip originally appeared online at https://scs-matters.com/
Amygdala/. Send email or call or text to schedule a private session with Debra.
Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips
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Rev.Debra Basham
Voice or text: (269) 921-2217 Email or Text: debra@scs-matters.com https://scs-matters.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~ |