Past experiences linked to brain 'worry centre'
British scientists have located the brain’s “worry centre” in a region normally linked to memory.
The discovery suggests an association between past experiences and anxiety.
Researchers believe it could lead to the development of new treatments that target the hippocampus brain region.
Previously, the hippocampus was primarily thought to play a role in long-term memory and spatial awareness.
Scientists used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the brains of 12 volunteers while they played a video game designed to create feelings of threat and anxiety.
The 12 participants were “chased” along a runway and given mild electric shocks each time they were “caught”.
Professor Stephen Williams, one of the researchers at King’s College London, said: “This study is unique because it investigates for the first time the role of the human hippocampus in a realistic risk assessment situation using functional magnetic resonance imaging.
“These are very exciting results and could lead to the development of new therapies in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorders focusing on the hippocampus.”
Colleague Adam Perkins said: “Anxiety and fear were once thought of as wholly learned disease states, however it is now widely suspected they are useful responses to threat that keep the individual away from trouble.”
The ongoing research is supported by insurance and investment company Axa.
