Scientists have discovered that irrational fears may be caused by enzyme deficiency. The enzyme, called Monoamine oxidase A, has shown to cause unnatural reactions to stimulants in mice. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down chemicals such as dopamine and seratonin in the brain, which in turn contribute to fight or flight responses in animals. The lack of this enzyme creates an inability to properly respond to environmental cues. I picked this article because it explained to me why different people have different fears that may seem unusual or trivial.
NOS Themes:
- Science is collaborative
- Science is based on evidence
- Role of Motivation and Curiosity
It is interesting how dopamine and other chemicals are used so widely in our bodies. Dopamine is also a major controller of pleasure reactions and enables us to see and obtain rewards. http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/dopamine
ReplyDeleteI think it's very interesting how different hormones, enzymes and chemicals in your brain affect your emotions and fears like that, Neuropsychology is certainly a very interesting topic, there is drugs like Monoamine oxidase inhibitor which ihibit this enzyme and are used to treat depression and other psychological illnesses, it's interesting that by connecting what an enzyme does to a person emotionally they can help stabilize some people like drugs for Bipolarism and other things like thaT
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to know that there is a scientific reason as to why people have irrational fears. I assumed it would have something to do with nurture. This is an article about OCD, it's sort of fascinating. http://mattsmentalhealthinfoblog.wordpress.com/tag/irrational-fears/
ReplyDelete