What is the state of extreme fear

Extreme fear is a strong state of stress response, often accompanied by physiological arousal, cognitive distortion, and behavioral loss of control. When an individual faces a real or imagined major threat, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a fight or flight response.

1. Physiological arousal

In a state of extreme fear, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are secreted in large quantities, leading to accelerated heartbeat, rapid breathing, and elevated blood pressure. Some people may experience trembling hands and feet, increased sweating, gastrointestinal discomfort, and even temporary incontinence. Pupil dilation narrows the field of vision and may cause abnormal sensitivity to hearing, which are physiological changes that the body prepares for in response to danger.

2. Cognitive distortion

Fear emotions can significantly affect the rational judgment ability of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, leading to catastrophic thinking. Individuals tend to overestimate the severity and probability of threats, resulting in tunnel vision phenomenon where they can only notice negative information. Time perception may be distorted, and temporary dangers may be subjectively prolonged into sustained threats.

III. Behavioral Loss of Control

Some people may experience freezing reactions in extreme fear, manifested as muscle stiffness and difficulty moving. Others may exhibit excessive defensive behavior, such as screaming, attacking, or blindly running away. Actions taken in this state often lack rational consideration and may result in feelings of shame or confusion afterwards.

Fourth, Memory Reconstruction

Fear experiences activate the amygdala of the brain, forming strong emotional memories. Memory enhancement or fragmentation may occur during post memory recall, where certain details are exaggerated while other information is completely forgotten. This memory characteristic can easily lead to the formation of post-traumatic stress disorder.

V. Long term effects

Repeated experiences of extreme fear may alter brain neural plasticity, lowering the threshold for fear response. Some people may develop anticipatory anxiety and become overly alert to similar situations. Long term exposure to this state may lead to physical and mental symptoms such as sleep disorders, digestive system problems, and decreased immune function. For individuals who frequently experience extreme fear reactions, it is recommended to rebuild a sense of security through progressive exposure therapy, practice physiological regulation techniques such as abdominal breathing, and seek professional psychological treatment if necessary. Maintaining regular exercise helps balance nervous system function, while reducing caffeine intake can lower body sensitivity. Establishing a stable social support system can effectively buffer the negative impact of fear, and short-term interventions with anti anxiety drugs can be used under the guidance of doctors when necessary.