Fight or Flight Response

Fight Or Flight Response

ABHISHEK GUDDU14111003

"On some instances it can be a matter of life or death." 

So what does fight or flight  Response mean?

Cannon Theory (1915)

The Fight-or-Flight response  is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack  or threat to survival.  It was first described by Walter Bradford Cannon.

In other words….. It is a defense mechanism that is important for survival, to protect oneself from harm.

How does the Fight or Flight Stress Response System Work?                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           triggers the     

                              key stress hormones

A Cuee.g.

emotions

like fear, anxiety

and anger 

adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrone and cortisol

Fight

OR

Flee

These stress hormones cause

 a number of  things to

happen to help us

How does this happen?

Autonomic Nervous System 

Maintains homeostasis and the functions of

organs

This is very important to regulate heart rate, blood

pressure and other involuntary controls.

Divided into two divisions: these divisions can control functions of the body in certain situations

Sympathetic division Parasympathetic division

Sympathetic Division

Yes SirGet the body ready for stress

Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic division

   Increases the heart rate Increases the respiration rate Shunts blood away from digestive

tract. Dilates pupils Constricts blood vessels in various

parts of the body. Dilates blood vessels for muscles Burns more fats and glucose  Inhibits  the lacrimal

gland (responsible for tear production) and salivation

Mobilizes immune system with increased activation

"Ready to scan for the enemy"

What shall I do?

Function of physiological changes

to give the body increased strength and speed in anticipation of fighting or running. Some of the specific physiological changes and their functions include:-

Increased blood flow to the muscles activated by diverting blood flow from other parts of the body.

Increased blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugars, and fats in order to supply the body with extra energy.

The blood clotting function of the body speeds up in order to prevent excessive  blood loss in the event of an injury sustained during the response.

Increased muscle tension in order to provide the body with extra speed and strength.

Pupil dilates so that more amount of light can enter for better vision.

Stress! - Fight Flight or Freeze.

In order to protect itself from danger our body uses increased energy to respond to danger in 3 ways :-

                           After Stress

Parasympathetic Division

Autonomic Nervous System Parasympathetic Division

Restore the body to normal condition

Sure Sir

   Slows down the heart rate as

well as respiration rate Constricts pupils Reactivates digestion Increases salivation Adrenaline level goes down.It

releases our mind to think again in a normal manner. It releases our feelings to be flexible again.

Okay... I got it... I have to bring things to normal condition,I guess. 

I should probably...

If in prolonged sympathetic stage......

Harmful effects to the body Symptoms - high amount of stress, uneasiness around Public, improper functioning of organs etc.

Extreme example of prolonged sympathetic phase.....

PTSD- post traumatic stress disorder

Often found among those in military since high amount of combats plus the continuous  fear of death brings severe stress to their body since their autonomic system always has to be prepared to be on alert rather than relaxing.This takes  a toll on their physical and mental health.

According to a 2010 CNN article  31% of vietnam veterans,10% of Gulf war veterans and 20% of Iraq war veterans experienced PTSD.

Is it ok to have stress?

Stress is a normal part of everyday life, without it we would be very much in trouble in surviving

The fight or flight response is the first responder of a threat, giving the necessary reaction to deal with the problem quick and efficiently.

Think of it as a wake up call or an alarm that your life may be in trouble!!! 

To leave you with something funny....

References

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/counselling/documents/podacst-fight-or-flight-response.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-an-example-fight-fli

ght-situation-could-you-325530 http://www.thebestbrainpossible.com/fight-flight-or-freeze/

Thank you