Sympathetic Nervous System

Definition

The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stressful situations. This system increases heart rate, dilates pupils, and redirects blood flow to essential muscles, enabling a rapid reaction to perceived threats. Its activation plays a crucial role in anxiety disorders, as heightened sympathetic activity can contribute to symptoms like panic attacks and excessive worry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to stressors, leading to physiological changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure.
2. In anxiety disorders, an overactive sympathetic nervous system can result in chronic stress responses, contributing to heightened feelings of anxiety and panic.
3. Symptoms associated with sympathetic activation include sweating, trembling, and gastrointestinal distress, which are common in anxiety disorders.
4. Treatment for anxiety often includes approaches that aim to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, promoting relaxation and reducing hyperarousal.
5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals manage their sympathetic responses by teaching coping strategies to reduce anxiety triggers.

Review Questions

• How does the sympathetic nervous system contribute to the physiological symptoms experienced during an anxiety attack?
  • During an anxiety attack, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to physiological symptoms such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension. These responses are part of the body's 'fight or flight' mechanism, preparing individuals to react to perceived threats. The heightened state of arousal can make it difficult for individuals to calm down, further exacerbating feelings of anxiety during such attacks.
• In what ways can treatments for anxiety disorders target the sympathetic nervous system to alleviate symptoms?
  • Treatments for anxiety disorders often focus on managing the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of calm. Medications like beta-blockers may also be prescribed to help reduce physical symptoms associated with sympathetic activation, such as heart palpitations and tremors.
• Evaluate the relationship between chronic stress activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the development of anxiety disorders over time.
  • Chronic stress can lead to prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which negatively impacts mental health and contributes to the development of anxiety disorders. Over time, persistent stress responses can alter brain chemistry and neural pathways related to fear and anxiety regulation. This ongoing cycle creates a vulnerability where individuals may become more sensitive to stressors, making it increasingly difficult to manage their anxiety effectively without intervention.

Related terms

Parasympathetic Nervous System: The parasympathetic nervous system is another branch of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' functions, counteracting the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Adrenaline: A hormone released by the adrenal glands during sympathetic activation, responsible for increasing heart rate and energy availability in response to stress.

Homeostasis: The process through which the body maintains a stable internal environment, which can be disrupted during excessive sympathetic nervous system activity.