Woman who cannot feel fear may help in treating PTSD

BBC ^ | 17 Dec 2010A woman who cannot feel afraid because of a missing structure in her brain could help sci

[FourPeas]

A woman who cannot feel afraid because of a missing structure in her brain could help scientists discover treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Research published in Current Biology showed the woman felt no fear in a variety of scary situations.

These included exposure to snakes and spiders, horror films and a "haunted house".

The woman feels other emotions but said as an adult, she had never felt afraid.

She is the first known case of someone who is unable to process fear.

Researchers at the University of Iowa said her inability to feel frightened was because she is missing a structure in her brain called the amygdala.

[snip]

This could be useful in treating patients suffering from PTSD - such as soldiers who have been serving in conflict areas.

[B4Ranch]

>>I think someone like her, who feels no fear at all, would be BORED by jumping out of a plane or taking a corner at 120 mph.<<

I think she would never know the satisfaction of conquering a fear either. To me, that’s an important part of life.

[windcliff]

Interesting ping.

[Grizzled Bear]

I always thought daredevels were missing something. Fear is a basic, useful instinct. In small doses of course. Take the natural fear of falling, it keeps you from getting too close to the edge of the cliff.

Fear is a useful servant but a terrible master.

[Grizzled Bear]

Damn it Wayne! That was years ago! Just let it go!

We went out for pizza afterwards and everyone agreed it was a bit of a lark and we all had a fine time at it!

[Winstons Julia]

Yep.

I’m 40. I’ve lost both of my parents.

I’ve experienced life in other nations. I have experienced the willy-nillyness of people.

I’m not scared of anything. That’s not to say I take stupid risks that would put OTHERS in jeopardy.

But I have no fear.

I really have no fear.