Study: This is how researchers want to erase fear of spiders from the brain

Würzburg (Bavaria) – Does looking at the photo above send shivers down your spine?

Then YOU might be just the right test subject for a new one Study by German scientists!

Fear of spiders makes life difficult for many people – but targeted stimulation of the brain could help those affected. The Center for Mental Health at the University Hospital of Würzburg is investigating whether so-called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can improve fear memory People with a fear of spiders can change.

Interested parties can contact the University Hospital, as the facility announced.

New study is called “SpiderMEM”

The researchers in Würzburg want to try to stimulate the brain with magnetic impulses in order to influence the activity of certain areas. In a second step, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be used to analyze how fear memory changes at a neuronal level during the study called “SpiderMEM”.

This is how the study works

According to the scientists, participants have to spend a total of around three and a half hours without an MRI and around four and a half hours with an MRI. This time is spread over four to six sessions within three weeks and another session after three months to assess long-term success.

Magnetic stimulation is also being tested in science as a possible approach against depression, tinnitus and Parkinson’s. It is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation with few side effects. A coil is attached to the head from which magnetic impulses are delivered through the skull (transcranially) to certain areas of the brain, as the university hospital explained.

Arachnophobia can limit everyday life

Severe fear of spiders is called arachnophobia. People who are affected by it sometimes have to restrict themselves very much in their everyday lives: some avoid it because of their health Phobia For example, staying outdoors, others meticulously search every room for creepy crawlies or never go into basements or attics.

Arachnophobics develop when they see them Animals Symptoms like those of a 100-meter runner shortly before the start: sweat, heart palpitations and tension in all senses.