Dynamic of Phobia in Neural Circuitry: Possibilities of Behavior Extinction Isabel Andrea Meléndez

Overview

Scientific Caribbean Foundation The anxiety disorder known as a phobia mostly develops in the amygdala due to the pathological changes in the excitability threshold in fear circuits. The amygdala displays an increased activity in response to a threat stimulus. This investigation aimed to decrease the degree of a situational or specific phobia by creating a new memory through electric convulsive therapy (ECT) and stimulating sounds (during a subconscious level), using the program Simbrain. Even though, scientists do not fully understand why or how electric convulsive therapy works, the treatment seems to reverse the symptoms of several psychiatric disorders. A small amount of electrical current was passed through the brain during a partly unconscious sleeping-stage known as REM (rapid-eye movement) when the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for memory consolidation and emotions of fear, was highly active. This current caused a seizure which provoked chemical changes in the brain. Thus, creating a new memory which consists on the confrontation of the phobia where a secure outcome is presented. The memory was created through stimulating/triggering sounds related to the situational phobia. For example, in regard to aerophobia (fear of flying), sounds such as the voice of a flight attendant, the buckling of a seat belt and an airplane taking off, were incorporated as increased decibels in Simbrain. The electric shocks were conducted during REM because this sleep- stage is considered important for memory consolidation, and during it, the part of the brain responsible for the feeling of pain is notably inactive. Consequently, the electric shocks and sounds did not create a hurtful memory. In addition, sections of the brain that are important in memory – the hippocampus, neocortex and amygdala –are active during sleep. A dreamer's brain becomes highly active while the body's muscles are paralyzed. The electric shocks along with the stimulating sounds were successful in unconsciously creating a new memory related to the phobia without provoking any kind of pain or discomfort. Although phobias are often disregarded, they can result in serious social withdrawal and depression. If we are successful in creating a therapy that does not involve direct confrontation, patients that suffer from phobias will be more open to receiving treatment thus bettering their quality of life.