PSYC 3140 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Parasympathetic Nervous System, Amygdala, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
30 Sep 2016
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The hypothalamus is where arousal and fear is set into motion: it activates the ans (which controls involuntary actions like perspiration and blood pressure) and the endocrine system (glands that release hormones) 2 path ways in which the ans and endocrine system produce arousal: sympathetic nervous system (the nerve fibers of the autonomic system that quicken the heartbeat and produce other changes experiences as arousal and fear) When in danger, the hypothalamus first sets in to motion the sympathetic nervous system. Then after the danger passes, the parasympathetic nervous system brings the body back to normal: hypothalamic pituitary adrenal pathway (the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release acht major stress hormone . Acht stimulates the production of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands (like cortisol) these further create arousal symptoms) Common symptoms of acute stress and ptsd re-experiencing the event (dreams, memories, thoughts) Reduced responsiveness (dissociation, or detachment from people)
