I have a question about this episode Erasing Fears & Traumas Based on the Modern Neuroscience of Fear | Huberman Lab Podcast #49 and this Social Connection's Impact What do tachykinins have to do with humans isolating in the episode Dr. David Anderson: The Biology of Aggression, Mating, & Arousal | Huberman Lab Podcast #89 and the clip Tachykinins and Aggression?

In the Huberman Lab Podcast #49, Andrew Huberman discusses the role of tachykinins in the context of trauma and fear. Tachykinins are molecules activated in the brain's central amygdala and associated structures, which are key areas for processing threat responses. These molecules are involved in reinforcing fears and traumatic experiences by affecting gene expression and neural circuit potentiation associated with fear 1.

Importantly, tachykinin levels can increase due to social isolation, potentially exacerbating anxiety and aggression. This is because isolation amplifies the effects of pre-existing traumas. Conversely, social connection, which can be as simple as interacting with trusted individuals or sharing a meal, helps reduce tachykinin levels, thus alleviating anxiety and reducing the impact of trauma. This highlights the importance of maintaining social ties for emotional health during trauma recovery 1.

Your question also mentioned Dr. David Anderson's work from another episode, which suggests a similar mechanism where social isolation boosts aggression and anxiety, mediated by tachykinins. Social connections mitigate these effects, showcasing a neurochemical basis for social engagement's positive impact on fear and trauma processing.