Researchers at Texas A&M followed people who had symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or OCD. The team studied 74 volunteers and measured each person’s brain activity right after they made an error.
The researchers measured the same responses again one year later. They found that some people had strong reactions at first and then showed a reduced emotional response over time. Those people often became more avoidant of uncomfortable situations. The team says these findings could help clinicians understand why some people get worse.
Difficult words
- anxiety — a strong feeling of worry or fear
- depression — a long, deep feeling of sadness
- symptom — a sign that shows a health problemsymptoms
- volunteer — a person who joins a study by choicevolunteers
- brain activity — electrical signals and work in the brain
- avoidant — acting to stay away from difficult things
- clinician — a health professional who treats patientsclinicians
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might some people become avoidant of uncomfortable situations after a strong reaction?
- Would you volunteer for a study that measures brain activity? Why or why not?
- How could clinicians use information about people's emotional reactions?
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