Tag: neural emotional pathways

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Conditioned Fear Extinction

Since there are competing views and observations for conditioned fear response, researchers have turned to the cellular level to release the specific brain mechanism of extinction. In particular these are brain structures of the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and specific neurotransmitter systems (e.g. GABA). A recent study by Amano, Unai, and Pare found extinction is correlated with synaptic inhibition in the fear output of the neurons in the amygdala that project to the periaqueductal gray that controls freezing behavior. They infer that inhibition comes from the prefrontal cortex and suggest targets at the cellular level for new treatments for anxiety.

When an aversive stimulus is coupled with a neutral stimulus it affects long term plasticity in the hippocampus in memory formation. Since the neutral stimulus gates to the amygdala, an aversive stimulus occurs even when aversion isn’t there.

Through neural emotional pathways, it is possible to determine if the stress is somatosensory, visual, auditory, etc that is causing pain in processing and functioning. In further use of neurons, we create a resolution, bring up a suppression, modulate or have an expression of the conditioned fear to alleviate the stress and provide more comfortable functioning.

This can be done by phone and in person.

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Somato Sensory Overload

Symptoms of sensory defensiveness can be to high pitched noises, chewing sounds, lights, sudden touch, intolerance to fabrics, smells, difficulty with eye contact, intolerance to foods, tastes, texture or temperature and difficulty when exposed to a lot of sensory stimuli at once. This sensory stimuli provokes a fight or flight response. Those diagnosed with ADHD have higher rates of hypersensitivity to stimulus. Autism also increases hypersensitivity, especially to sound. Sensory overload can lead to a “meltdown” or temper tantrum. Some people experience dissociation which causes them to withdraw.

Sensory overload is quite common in today’s fast paced world by people, places, events, over scheduling, etc. A common complaint is lack of motivation, depression, being in a rut, being distracted or a sense of losing one’s purpose in life. It becomes difficult for the client to stay focused on their goals to produce relaxation, self satisfaction and self esteem.

We access the neural emotional pathways to redirect the scattered energy to the parasympathetic nervous system where total relaxation is experienced. The client can then better focus on their goals, desires and interests.

We can do this by phone and in person.