Fears

Fear is a basic emotion triggered by the perception of threat, danger, or harm. It prepares the body for protective action, commonly described as fight, flight, or freeze. Fear is adaptive in moderation, whereas anxiety refers to a more diffuse, future-oriented apprehension not always tied to a specific threat.

Neurobiologically, fear involves the amygdala and a network that includes the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The amygdala assesses threat and activates autonomic and hormonal responses via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Physiological signs commonly include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened vigilance.

From an evolutionary perspective, fear has helped humans survive by promoting avoidance of dangerous situations. It can be learned quickly from direct experience or by observing others' reactions.

People can experience innate fears, learned fears, or clinical phobias. Specific phobias are intense, persistent fears of particular objects or situations, such as heights or spiders. Social anxiety disorder involves fear of social judgment and embarrassment.

Fear can be conditioned through classical learning, with a neutral stimulus paired with a frightening event. Extinction reduces conditioned fear when the threat no longer predicts danger, though it may be resistant in some cases. Cultural factors and media influence which fears are learned and how they are expressed.

Fears influence behavior, risk assessment, and decision making. When fears become excessive or persistent, they can impair functioning and lead to anxiety disorders.

Treatment typically includes evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy; virtual reality exposure is an increasingly used modality. Pharmacological options may be considered for coexisting conditions or severe symptomatology under professional care.