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There is nothing to fear but the amygdala: applying advances in the neuropsychiatry of fear to public policy

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  • Lawrence Amsel
  • Spencer Harbo
  • Amitai Halberstam

Abstract

The last 25 years have seen advances in our understanding of the neuroscience and neuropsychiatry of fear. From the basic brain mechanisms of fear to new evidence-based treatments for the pathologies of fear, the field has experienced progress towards an understanding of the underpinnings of fear in the brain and its influence on behaviors. Yet, to date, there has been less than ideal incorporation of these new findings, insights and models into the public policy and economic domains. Even when notions of risk, uncertainty, and emotional decision-making are discussed, these discussions may not access insights from the latest contemporary neuroscience of fear, or clinical techniques in changing pathological fear responses. This paper will explore how a more complete incorporation of these advances may contribute to our understanding of fear and its management. Applying these advances in specific amenable policy areas may lead to new, more effective approaches to public and economic policies. Copyright The Author(s) 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Lawrence Amsel & Spencer Harbo & Amitai Halberstam, 2015. "There is nothing to fear but the amygdala: applying advances in the neuropsychiatry of fear to public policy," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 14(1), pages 141-152, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:minsoc:v:14:y:2015:i:1:p:141-152
    DOI: 10.1007/s11299-014-0149-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Pope, Robin, 2009. "Risk starvation contributes to dementias and depressions: Whiffs of danger are the antidote," Bonn Econ Discussion Papers 28/2009, University of Bonn, Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE).
    7. Pankaj Sah & R. Frederick Westbrook, 2008. "The circuit of fear," Nature, Nature, vol. 454(7204), pages 589-590, July.
    8. Kahneman, Daniel, 2002. "Maps of Bounded Rationality," Nobel Prize in Economics documents 2002-4, Nobel Prize Committee.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mario Cedrini & Marco Novarese, 2015. "The challenge of fear to economics," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 14(1), pages 99-106, June.

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