A DW DocFilm
[42:36 min; 2021; English]
Why are anxiety disorders on the rise? Is there a pill for fear? Fear can cause trembling, a racing heart, sweating, and stress. How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting our sense of fear? Can a fear of heights be conquered with the help of virtual reality? Why do so many people enjoy being scared, and what positive effects can it have? When we are afraid, the amygdala in our brain takes control of body and mind. In recent years, scientists around the world have succeeded in further decoding human fear and developing completely new therapies. At the University of Freiburg Medical Center, a team led by psychiatrist Katharina Domschke is investigating the cause of panic attacks. The experts’ lab experiments reveal something surprising.
