The fear paralysis reflex acts as a defence mechanism to protect us from a perceived threat, and is often seen when were exposed to a dangerous or frightening situation. This reflex is present at birth, and should integrate at 4 months.

When retained, symptoms may include:

• Low tolerance to stress
• Poor adaptability and/or dislike of change or surprise
• Anxiety that is seemingly unrelated to reality
• When younger, may lead to screaming, kicking, biting or running away
• Hypersensitivity to touch, sound, or changes in the visual field
• Fatigue easily, always tired
• Breath holding/fainting, crying until fainting as a child
• Insecure/lack of trust in oneself, fear of social embarrassment, difficulty making eye contact
• Overly clingy or unable to easily accept or display affection
• Negativism, defeatist attitude
• Temper tantrums
• Won’t try new activities, especially where comparison or excellence is expected
• Freezing or paralysis under stress, can’t think and move at the same time, sometimes terrified that they will die