Introduction to the Special Issue on The Neurobiology of Human Fear and Anxiety

Pathological fear and anxiety cause immense suffering and affect millions worldwide. However, existing treatments are inconsistent and often have adverse effects. It is essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of the neural systems governing fear and anxiety in humans. This research emphasizes the importance of human studies, as fear and anxiety disorders are diagnosed based on subjective symptoms. Human studies help uncover the neural mechanisms underlying these experiences and identify relevant features in animal models. Moreover, human studies drive the development of objective biomarkers, accelerate diagnostic and treatment strategies, and generate novel hypotheses for mechanistic evaluation in animal models. The present Special Issue—The Neurobiology of Human Fear and Anxiety—offers a concise overview of recent progress in this field.