PSYC23H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Glucocorticoid Receptor, Myelin Basic Protein, Adrenal Gland
Document Summary
Excessive stress disrupts the architecture of the developing brain. When faced with threatening situations, our bodies respond by increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones, such as cortisol. If a child has extreme stress response and buffering relationships aren"t available to the child, the result can be toxic stress, leading to damaged, weakened bodily systems and brain architecture, with lifelong repercussions. Not all stress is harmful stress response depends on: duration, intensity, and timing of the stressful experience: positive stress. Death of a loved one: toxic stress strong, frequent, or pro- longed activation of the body"s stress management system. Stressful events that are chronic, uncontrollable, and/or experienced without children having access to support from caring adults. Capacity to deal with stress is controlled by a set of interrelated brain circuits and hormone systems that are specifically designed to respond to environmental changes.
