Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What is a key symptom of PTSD associated with the amygdala?

1. Enhanced memory consolidation

2. Overactive fear response

3. Decreased emotional reasoning

4. Reduced problem-solving ability

The correct answer is: Overactive fear response

A key symptom of PTSD that is closely linked with the amygdala is an overactive fear response. The amygdala plays a critical role in processing emotions, particularly fear and threat-related stimuli. For individuals with PTSD, the amygdala tends to be hyperactive, leading to exaggerated fear responses even when there is no immediate danger. This heightened state of arousal can result in intense anxiety, panic attacks, and an overwhelming sense of fear, which are common symptoms in PTSD. In contrast, the other options pertain to different cognitive or emotional processing aspects that are less directly tied to the primary functions of the amygdala in the context of PTSD. Enhanced memory consolidation might be impacted by other factors related to stress and trauma but does not specifically describe the characteristic fear response indicative of PTSD. Decreased emotional reasoning and reduced problem-solving ability may arise in individuals with PTSD but are more related to disruptions in other brain areas involved in cognition and emotional regulation, rather than being direct symptoms of an overactive amygdala itself.