The science of "dread".

New research shows that people who substantially dread an adverse experience have a different biology than those who better tolerate the experience.

Dr. Gregory Berns of Emory University School of Medicine and his colleagues used MRI imaging to observe brain activity patterns in non-drug abusers who were awaiting brief electrical shocks (the adverse experience).

The subjects were given the option of a larger shock to occur in a shorter period of time, or a smaller shock after a longer period of time. The scientists noted two groups: "extreme dreaders," who could not tolerate a delay and preferred an immediate (and stronger) painful stimulus; and "mild dreaders," who could tolerate a delay for a milder shock. The findings suggest that dread derives, in part, from attention--and is not simply a fear or anxiety reaction.

Continuing to use drugs despite expecting a bad outcome is a hallmark of addiction. The results of this study form the foundation for future research to determine whether drug abusers exhibit disruption in the brain systems that process "dread"--the anticipation of unpleasant consequences.