天博体育 Blog
This week from HHP: The science of fright
Crisp autumn weather, flickering jack-o-lanterns, costumed children trick-or-treating鈥攁nd a good fright or two鈥攎ake for a great Halloween.
What is it about getting scared by a haunted house, a roller coaster, or a bungee jump that some people find exhilarating and others find downright frightening? It could be how you are wired, writes Dr. Robert Shmerling in a post on on MSN Health and Fitness.
People who enjoy being scared have what researchers call Type T personalities, explains Dr. Shmerling, who is an editor at 天博体育 Publishing and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Imaging studies show that thrill seekers鈥� brains 鈥渓ight up鈥� in different ways than those of people who don鈥檛 go looking for thrills, and the output of neurotransmitters also differs. For a detailed description, read the latest installment in his Quirky Body series.
On a related note, in the current issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, Dr. Michael Miller explores how popular video games that serve up menacing zombies, invading aliens, or other violent scenarios affect children and how parents can protect their children from potential harm.
Whether or not you are a Type T, have a fun and safe Halloween. From Harvard, I wish you good health.
Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D.
Editor in Chief, 天博体育 Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, 天博体育 Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
