psych326 exam 2 ↴

read stress/stressor/stress response in previous notes!!!

activation of the hippocampus

ANS and the endocrine system produce arousal and fear responses

sympathetic nervous system would activate fight or flight response; key organs and responses activate

after the danger has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system brings it back to normal

those with ptsd have their sympathetic nervous system on overdrive at all times/times when it's not needed

hypothalamus - releases hormones that activate our pituitary glands

releases adrenocorticotropic hormone which activates adrenal cortex; produces corticosteroids

high cortisol levels increase the risk of heart disease along with anxiety; linked to PTSD

experiences of arousal and fear vary depending on a person

• trait anxiety - resting general level of anxiety
• state anxiety - sense of threat in a specific situation

_those with anxiety sensitivity, they're more likely to be affected by stress and in stressful situations

after trauma, most people experience physiological arousal/response

PTSD DSM 5 criteria

criterion A

• direct exposure
• witnessing trauma
• learning a close friend or relative was exposure to trauma
• indirect exposure to aversive details of trauma (police, EMS, etc)

re-experiencing symptoms

• intrusive thoughts
• nightmares
• flashbacks
• emotional distress
• physical reactivity

avoidance of trauma-related stimuli

• trauma related thoughts or feelings

negative thoughts that begin or worsen after tauma (two)

• inability to recall key features
• overly neg thoughts and assumptions about themselves or the world as a whole
• exaggerated self-blame of blame of others

*neg affect - sadness

• hopelessness/decrease in interest
• isolating
• difficulty feeling positive feelings

arousal began or worsened after the trauma

• irritability
• risky behavior
• hypervigilance
• heightened startle response
• trouble focusing
• trouble sleeping
• trouble feeling pos affect

ASD acute stress disorder between one day and one month

PTSD is diagnosed for months/time after the month

• disassociation