If you enjoy recreational horror, a good scare could help reduce your anxiety.
Your muscles might get tense in anticipation of either having to flee or face the threat.
Fear can trigger the release of adrenaline andcortisol, the bodys stress hormones.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Your brain also releasesendorphinsanddopaminebecause of the stimulation.
However, if you have intense fear about horror films, you could experience residual stress or anxiety.
But the temporary response to fear shouldnt pose a threat to heart health for most people, Sultan added.
As the adrenaline rush passes, the feelings should subside.
Its a bit like hitting the reset button on your emotions, Sultan said.
As scary as a horror film can be, it can be therapeutic.
Scrivner C.Scaring away anxiety: therapeutic avenues for horror fiction to enhance treatment for anxiety symptoms.PsyArXiv.
