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phobia Cure Can Be A Reality

By Devaki

phobia
Researchers at the University of Hiroshima in Japan have found a way to switch off a ''fear centre'' in the brain, a finding that could make cure for phobias a reality. By injecting a common local anaesthetic directly into the brain may cure fears.

Cerebellum is the area of the brain thought to be involved with the development of our fears. Fear is demonstrated by the increased heart beats. When the anesthetics like lidocaine is injected in the cerebellum, it will provide stable heartbeats, when the trigger for a fear comes. This will make us unable to become afraid, says the scientists.

With further study it may soon be possible to understand more about the biological and chemical processes that cause us to become afraid, thinks the experts.

The study has been published in BioMed Central's open access journal, Behavioral and Brain Functions.

Story first published: Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 13:13 [IST]