Fear, at the right level, can increase alertness and protect against dangers. Disproportionate fear, on the other hand, can disrupt the sensory perception, be disabling, reduce happiness and therefore become a danger in itself. In anxiety disorders, the fear is so strong that there is tremendous psychological strain and living a normal life seems impossible. Researchers have now found a possible explanation as to how social phobias and fear can be triggered in the brain: a missing inhibitory connection or missing “brake” in the brain.