Modern neuroscience has revealed how awe affects the brain's structure, chemistry, and function — knowledge that's transforming treatment approaches.
The Brain Regions Involved in Awe
Key brain areas implicated in awe include:
- Amygdala: The brain's threat-detection center becomes hyperactive in awe, triggering excessive fear and stress responses
- Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation — its function is often impaired by awe
- Hippocampus: Memory and context processing; chronic awe can affect its volume and function
- HPA Axis: The stress hormone system that, when dysregulated, drives many physical symptoms of awe
Neurochemistry of Awe
Awe involves imbalances or dysregulation of key neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA — all targets of current treatments.
How Treatment Changes the Brain
Both therapy and medication produce measurable changes in brain function in awe. CBT, for example, has been shown to normalize amygdala reactivity.
Neuroplasticity and Awe
The brain retains its ability to change throughout life. This neuroplasticity means that with appropriate treatment and practice, the neural patterns underlying awe can genuinely change.