A team led by Annmarie MacNamara in the department of psychological and brain sciences at Texas A&M University studied how people react to mistakes. They followed 74 people who reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or OCD. The researchers measured each participant’s brain activity immediately after an error and then measured the same responses again one year later.
The study identified a pattern the team calls blunting, which is a reduction in the brain’s emotional response to mistakes over time. Participants who showed a strong emotional reaction at the first visit and then experienced blunting across the year tended to become more avoidant of uncomfortable situations.
The authors say the results could help clinicians understand why symptoms worsen for some people. The findings also point to possible biological signals, or biomarkers, that might one day support diagnosis and treatment.
Difficult words
- blunting — reduced emotional reaction in the brain over time
- symptom — a sign that shows an illness or problemsymptoms
- anxiety — a strong feeling of worry or fear
- depression — a long period of deep sadness or low mood
- clinician — a health professional who treats patientsclinicians
- biomarker — a biological sign that helps detect conditionsbiomarkers
- avoidant — tending to stay away from difficult situations
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could understanding blunting change the way clinicians help patients with anxiety or depression?
- Do you think biological signals (biomarkers) should be used in mental health diagnosis? Why or why not?
- Have you ever become more avoidant after a mistake? What helped you change that behaviour?
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