New research reveals how our prehistoric brain regions work with new neural networks to fuel social anxiety and self-reflection
Published in scientific progress |Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Have you ever mentally replayed a social interaction and wondered if you talked too much or didn’t get the joke? Researchers at Northwestern Medicine have discovered that this very modern form of social anxiety But they discovered that it actually stems from an ancient partnership in our brains, one that connects our primitive “lizard brain” with newer, more sophisticated neural networks.
The research, led by Dr. Rodrigo Braga, provides unprecedented insight into how humans developed our remarkable capacity for social cognition. Researchers used advanced brain imaging techniques to map previously invisible connections between the amygdala, an ancient emotional center, and a recently evolved brain region specialized for social thinking. .
“The part of the brain that allows this is in an area of the human brain that recently expanded during human evolution,” explains Braga, assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Essentially, you’re putting yourself in someone else’s mind and making assumptions about what they’re thinking, even though you don’t actually know it yourself.”
This finding challenges the traditional understanding of the amygdala, which is often simplified as a “fear center.” While they handle threats, such as triggering the familiar racing heart when they spot a snake, they also play sophisticated roles in raising children, mating, and navigating social hierarchies. This study revealed that a specific region called the medial nucleus acts as a critical bridge between our primitive emotional responses and modern social consciousness.
The research team used state-of-the-art functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to capture these neural connections in unprecedented detail. “One of the most exciting things was that we were able to identify areas of the network that we hadn’t been able to see before,” said Donisa Edmonds, Ph.D., neuroscience. Candidates participating in research. This technological advance allowed researchers to confirm their findings multiple times for each participant, providing strong support for their conclusions.
These insights could revolutionize treatment approaches for conditions such as anxiety and depression, where the amygdala often exhibits hyperactivity. Rather than requiring invasive deep brain stimulation, future treatments will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target connecting areas closer to the skull, offering a gentler alternative for patients suffering from social anxiety. may be provided.
Glossary of important terms
- amygdala:An ancient brain structure that processes emotions and social behavior, also known as the “lizard brain”
- social cognition network: a recently evolved brain region that allows us to think about the thoughts and feelings of others
- inner nucleus: A specific part of the amygdala that links primitive emotional responses to advanced social thinking.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive treatment method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
test your understanding
Why is the amygdala sometimes called the “lizard brain”?
It is one of the evolutionarily oldest brain structures and handles primitive functions such as threat detection and basic social behavior that even reptiles have.
What other surprising role does the amygdala play besides processing fear?
The amygdala is involved in complex social behaviors such as parenting, mating, and understanding social hierarchy.
How can this research improve the treatment of anxiety disorders?
By understanding the connections between the amygdala and other brain regions, doctors may be able to use non-invasive TMS treatments that target accessible areas of connectivity rather than the deep amygdala itself.
How was this research result possible?
High-resolution fMRI scans are now allowing researchers to see previously undetectable details of brain connectivity, particularly in social cognitive networks.
Enjoy this story? Subscribe to our newsletter scienceblog.substack.com
