Description

Fear is an essential part of self-defence. If we were attacked by a tiger, fear would trigger an adrenaline rush preparing our bodies for fight or flight. However one in ten people suffers from a phobia, harmless objects or animals trigger an extreme, crippling phobic response. This program takes an unflinching look at both the biological and psychological nature of fear.Using the latest MRI scanning techniques, body imaging, EEG tracing and thermal photography,’ this series studies the body’s responses to extreme stress. Ultra slow-motion filming captures the physical manifestations of fear, and MRI scanners show its effects on the brain.Episode 1: This program follows the plight of a builder who is terrified of heights, a nine-year-old boy who has a paralysing fear of dogs, and a woman who gets panic attacks when she tries to drive her car.Episode 2: Munching on maggots and riding on rollercoasters presents no problems for Mum Jackie and thrill-seeker Ryan. But she panics at the sight of a worm and he’s a wreck on aeroplanes. Why are they scared – and can they be cured?