#183 Neuroscientist Explains How Your Brain Is Affected by Fear, Isolation and Anxiety | Moriel Zelikowsky on Impact Theory

Neuroscientist Moriel Zelikowsky studies the neural mechanisms underlying stress, fear, and social behavior. On this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, she discusses her own research into how extreme social isolation affects mice and humans. She talks about what drew her to the science of emotions, why fear is adaptive, and presents some surprising reasons to question the general advice that PTSD sufferers should join support groups.

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SHOW NOTES:

 

Moriel discusses what drew her to the science of emotions [0:35]

Moriel right now is working on social isolation and how it affects the brain [3:39]

Violence happens often after social isolation in mice [6:33]

Fear becomes much more persistent after isolation [7:57]

Social isolation hijacks systems that normally produce positive results [12:01]

For mice, two weeks of social isolation is long enough to cause severe consequences [14:46]

To what degree does social media mitigate or exacerbate social isolation? [16:08]

Moriel discusses the most recent research on fear and where it’s located in the brain [18:18]

Moriel explains why fear is adaptive and helpful [20:25]

Moriel details how general anxiety disorder builds on itself [24:05]

The most common therapy for PTSD is some form of exposure therapy [26:15]

Moriel describes an experiment on PTSD with truly surprising results [28:27]

 

QUOTES:

 

“Everywhere you look, you can see that fear would be adaptive.” [21:16]

 

FOLLOW:

 

WEBSITE: https://bit.ly/33AWzYT 

LAB WEBSITE: zelikowskylab.com 

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/morielz

TWITTER: twitter.com/moriel_z 

Om Podcasten

If you’re looking to thrive in uncertain times, achieve unprecedented goals, and improve the most meaningful aspects of your life, then Impact Theory is the show for you. Hosted by Tom Bilyeu, a voracious learner and hyper-successful entrepreneur, the show investigates and analyzes the most useful topics with the world’s most sought-after guests. Bilyeu attacks each episode with a clear desire to further evolve the holistic skillset that allowed him to co-found the billion dollar company Quest Nutrition, generate over half a billion organic views on his content, build a thriving marriage of over 20 years, and quantifiably improve the lives of over 10,000 people through his school, Impact Theory University. Bilyeu’s insatiable hunger for knowledge gives the show urgency, relevance, and depth while leaving listeners with the knowledge, tools, and empowerment to take control of their lives and develop true personal power.