How does fear alter memory? A new study reveals that it can literally change our perception, a process that may help researchers better understand post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other anxiety disorders and possibly conditions like autism.
Researchers have long known that fear doesn't tend to stay restricted to one type of scary experience. For example, the sound of a backfiring car may make a combat veteran dive for cover, even though he knows he's no longer on the battlefield and even though the sound he heard is different from actual gunfire.
Or a childhood run-in with a vicious German shepherd could translate into a fear of all dogs, even tiny Chihuahuas.
By MAIA SZALAVITZ
Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/05/09/how-fear-changes-what-we-hear/#ixzz1MFxivDiT
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