DAMAGE TO THE AMYGDALA

Damage to the amygdala is associated with psychiatric or anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, depression, phobia, and schizophrenia. This is because the amygdala is responsible for processing anxiety or fear in our limbic system, which controls or affects our emotional responses.

The amygdala is a small cluster of almond-shaped neurons located inside the temporal lobe. This is where we remember, associate, and give meaning to our emotions. Also, when we are in a fearful or life-threatening situation, the amygdala collects the information immediately. Then, it transmits the signal to the hypothalamus, which stimulates the body’s “fight or flight” instinct. 

Amazingly, the amygdala can process traumatic events faster than the cerebral cortex can ever will; this means that our body’s instinct reacts to danger before we have time to think about the situation.

Furthermore, damage to the amygdala may cause problems to its cognitive functions, including:

  • Acquiring new information
  • Decision-making
  • Creating and storing emotional memories

This condition may gravely affect your daily living, so it iss best to seek immediate treatment when symptoms occur.

SYMPTOMS

  • Impaired decision-making
  • Inability to visually recognize surrounding objects
  • Excessive hypervigilance
  • Explores the surrounding space excessively
  • Anxiety and anger management issues
  • Excessive eating
  • Memory problems or memory loss
  • Aphasia or loss of speech and language

TREATMENT

There is no known cure or natural treatment for the damage of the amygdala. However, there are methods to lessen the effects. The following are some of the approaches to alleviate its symptoms:

Psychotherapy is best for patients suffering or struggling with impulsiveness. Psychologists will teach you techniques to evaluate risks and compensate in making yourself accountable to another person while not relying on your natural bodily instinct from your amygdala.

Deep brain stimulation is approved to be effective in treating symptoms that are caused by the damaged amygdala. According to some recent studies, it can reduce the adverse effects on the patients’ behavioral and psychological well-being and only work on specific sets of symptoms.

Medications cannot cure but can lessen the effects of impulsiveness and hypervigilance caused by the amygdala damage, and this is the next resort if the therapy alone doesn’t help.

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