PSYC 2012 Lecture Notes - Lecture 36: Constipation, Anterior Pituitary, Cortisol
Document Summary
6 factors modulating the magnitude of the stress response. Novelty: a new stressor is often more stressful than an old one. Lack of predictability: stressor(s) are random and irregular are worse. A perception of things worsening: if stress seems to be increasing rather than decreasing or remaining the same. Lack of control: can be the belief of control rather than control itself. Outlet for frustration: exercise, catharsis, misplaced aggression. Perception of low social support: from family, spouse, friends, community. Cortisol binds to receptors on neurons in the hypothalamus and decreases their firing and release of crh. Cortisol binds to receptors on cells in the anterior pituitary and decreases their secretion of. Cortisol binds to hippocampal neurons and increases their inhibitory firing to the hypothalamus. Oxytocin - inhibits brain fear and stress pathways by inhibiting amygdala and activating the vmpfc. Endocannabinoids - naturally occurring marijuana-like chemicals in the brain that inhibit chronic stress activation by inhibiting amygdala and hypothalamic neurons.
