From the thalamus, a part of the stimulus goes directly to the amygdala while another part is sent to the neocortex (the thinking brain). If the amygdala perceives a match to the stimulus, i.e., if the record of experiences in the hippocampus tells the amygdala that it is a fight, flight or freeze situation, then the amygdala triggers the HPA (hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and hijacks the rational brain. This emotional brain activity processes information milliseconds earlier than the rational brain, so in case of a match, the amygdala acts before any possible direction from the neocortex can be received. When the amygdala perceives a threat, it can lead that person to react irrationally and destructively. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amygdala_hijack
Posted on: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:50:09 +0000
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