Fear‐Potentiated Startle in Humans: Effects of Anticipatory Anxiety on the Acoustic Blink Reflex

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.1991.tb01999.x
• Publication Date: 2007-02-02T21:40:48Z
• Authors: Christian Grillon; Rezvan AMELI; Scott W. Woods; Kathleen Merikangas; Michael Davis
• Keywords: Fear-potentiated startle; Anticipation (artificial intelligence); Acoustic Startle Reflex; Startle response; Stimulus (psychology); Aversive Stimulus; Startle reaction

ABSTRACT The effects of fear/anticipatory anxiety on the acoustic startle reflex were investigated in humans using a paradigm involving anticipation electric shocks. eyeblink component reflex, elicited by an abrupt auditory stimulus, was measured 9 normal volunteers during either shocks (anticipatory anxiety) or periods which no anticipated (safe period). consistently higher amplitude, and shorter latency, when subjects shocks, compared to safe periods. This effect could not be attributed solely reduction habituation statistically significant before actually received any shock (a single 30 mA stimulation median nerve). These results indicate that anticipatory can objectively fear‐potentiated requiring shock. Because great deal is known about neuroanatomical pharmacological mechanisms laboratory animals, this test procedure may especially useful investigate neurobiological substrates disorders their treatments.