Daredevil climber’s brain shows no fear during extreme stunts: Experts reveal why
In these individuals, there is also a strong activation of reward and motivation circuits, or dopamine pathways, according to Amen.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Meaning, high stimulation feels normal — or even necessary — for them to feel engaged,” he said. “Some also show reduced reactivity in the amygdala, so situations that trigger fear in most people don’t produce the same alarm response.”
He added, “In short, their brains are less easily ‘scared’ and more strongly driven by challenge and novelty.“
Thrill seekers often lack signals in their brain that trigger fear, according to experts. (iStock)
Based on nearly 300,000 brain scans done at Amen Clinics, Dr. Amen noted that in people like Honnold who are “elite extreme performers,” the key difference compared to the average brain is “exceptional top-down control.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“The prefrontal cortex stays online and organized under stress, allowing precise focus, emotional regulation and decision-making in high-risk environments,” he said. “Fear circuits activate just enough to sharpen attention — but not enough to overwhelm performance.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Brains like Honnold’s are also often “very efficient” in sensory-motor integration, or when vision, balance and motor planning “work seamlessly together.”
“Instead of panic, the brain enters a highly regulated, flow-state pattern where attention is narrow, calm and precise,” he said.
In the average brain, fear circuits tend to activate faster and louder, according to Amen — and the prefrontal cortex “tends to go offline” under threat, triggering hesitation, overthinking or panic.
“Most people experience a strong mismatch between perceived risk and control, which is protective for survival but limits extreme performance,” he said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“For the average person, high adrenaline disrupts accuracy and judgment; for extreme athletes, it organizes the brain,” he said.
“Their brains are not reckless — they are better regulated under stress, whereas the average brain prioritizes safety and avoidance.”
Fox News Digital’s Jessica Mekles contributed reporting.
–>
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/daredevil-climbers-brain-shows-no-fear-extreme-stunts-experts-reveal-why