15.17AutonomicActivationduringaStressSituation(Part1).pptVIP

* Hormones released during stress can suppress the immune system. This acts as a short-term defense mechanism, allowing for resources to be used elsewhere (escaping a predator). Long-term stress is detrimental to immune function. Psychological stress, such as depression or grief, decreases immune function. Some behavioral patterns, such as type A or type D, marked by excessive drive, impatience and hostility, are associated with heart disease. In the article, The Relationship between Social Support, Stress, and Health among Women on Detroit’s East Side by Barbara A. Israel, Health Educ Behav 2002; 29; 342 the authors examine multiple sources of chronic stress, instrumental and emotional support, and health outcomes “A conceptual model of the stress process has been useful in examining relationships between numerous social determinants (e.g., chronic stress), protective factors (e.g., social support), and health status.” * * * Neural Circuitry, Hormones, and Synaptic Transmitters Mediate Violence and Aggression Aggression has different meanings the primary focus here is physical aggression and violence between individuals, exclusive of predation. Intermale aggression is aggression between males of the same species. Women also use aggressive behavior but with less physical aggression and violence Androgens seem to increase aggression as seen in studies with rodents, but the correlation in humans is less clear. Two confounding variables: Experience and dominance can affect testosterone levels; winners show higher levels of testosterone than losers. The Effects of Androgens on the Aggressive Behavior of Mice Neural Circuitry, Hormones, and Synaptic Transmitters Mediate Violence and Aggression Serotonin Testosterone decreases serotonin activity As serotonin activity decreases aggression increases Related to impulsivity and hostility Vasopressin Testosterone increases vasopressin A facilitator of aggression Patients with violent personalities have blunted sero