In a new study, scientists sought to better understand why some people’s brains are more prone to paranoia than others.
Paranoia is generally defined as a feeling of irrational or exaggerated anxiety resulting from a fairly rational ability to maintain sanity in a chaotic environment. The ability to adapt quickly can help us survive in rapidly changing conditions. But in extreme cases, delusional beliefs about the evil intentions of others can lead to social isolation and literally render people unable to maintain healthy relationships, according to Science Alert.
In a new study, Yale University psychiatrists Praveena Suthaharana and Summer Thompson focused on better understanding why some people’s brains respond to “shadows” more than others. To do this, scientists conducted a simple test on a group of male rhesus monkeys and human volunteers.
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The test, also known as a probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) task, relies on choosing a symbol (food for monkeys and cups for humans) for a chance at reward. According to the researchers, different symbols gave different chances of success, so when the subject chose three symbols on the screen, he had the opportunity to find out which symbol was more likely to bring a reward.
Halfway through the test, when the buyers thought they had it all figured out, the test results reversed: The luckiest symbol had previously given a smaller reward, and the worst had become the best choice.
According to study co-author Yale University psychologist Steve Chang, the test required participants to figure out what the best goal was and when a concrete change in the environment occurred; At this point the participant had to find a better solution.
Six of the 20 rhesus monkeys had previously participated in a neurological procedure that affected their dorsal thalamic nuclei, which plays a role in planning, abstract thinking and organization, or an area of the prefrontal cortex, which plays a role in decision-making. Volunteers, on the other hand, had to fill out a thinking scale questionnaire to assess their level of paranoia, as well as a second questionnaire to identify any symptoms of depression.
The scientists then conducted a test and analyzed the behavior of animals and humans before and after the change occurred. As a result, scientists were able to determine which of the affected areas of the brain might affect the monkeys’ ability to calmly navigate an unstable play environment.
The data showed that both the magnocellular mediodorsal thalamus (MDmc) in the dorsal thalamic nucleus and regions in the orbitofrontal cortex (known as Walker areas 11, 13, and 14) had slightly different effects on the monkey’s behavior after the test switch.
Those affected by Walker’s fields did not react to the sudden loss of reward and continued to choose what they thought would “win.” Those with damaged Mdmc showed the opposite behavior; Even after discovering a new “high odds” symbol, they were switching back and forth as if they “suspected the system was rigged against them.” This was similar to behavior observed in people whose survey responses indicated higher levels of paranoia.
The researchers acknowledge that their study is only a first step in understanding the origins of paranoia and how it develops, but insist their findings could lead to new treatments in the future.
Previously Focus He wrote that the craving for conspiracy theories is associated with an irresistible thirst for chaos.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.