I've been interested in the subject of fight or flight response for some time now, what recently struck my attention is that the meltdowns and shutdowns in autism score as Fight or Flight response, therefore, after asking Cornflake where I could start a topic about it, I finally would like to tell you what I know and ask about further information on the subject, be it further links or reading suggestions. I would also be interested in hearing theories you came up with following your knowledge on the subject.
My first approach with the Fight or Flight Response was when reading a book by a very debatable researcher whose name is Germain, let's forget about him it's really not worth it and it's mere introduction.
What I found out at that point was a rudimentary explanation of the origins of the Fight or Flight Response in the human being, to sum up briefly:
The fight or flight response is due to the elementary impulses of the human genetic inheritance, the first forms of fight or flight responses are to be found in prehistorical graffitos as a response to danger. When the human brain hadn't yet reached it's current stage in evolution the fight or flight response was already present in our ancestors.
Our ancestors were faced with physical dangers like being attacked by a predator or attacking a big prey themselves (like mammoths). At this point the body got ready either for flight or for battle: blood would be sent by the brain to the muscles in legs or arms according to the need to flee (legs) or fight (arms).
Nowadays we're no more as much subject to physical danger and most of what our brain perceives as danger is of psychological nature, but the response hasn't changed.
At this point I thought it was worth some more research and I found out that the fight or flight response is activated by the sympathetic nervous system.
From now on I will bring up some quotes from Wikipedia (it's so clear and well done that it seems a waste not to quote it an struggle with words myself in a foreign language, sorry):
Quote:
The fight-or-flight response (also called the fight-or-flight-or-freeze response, hyperarousal, or the acute stress 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. His theory states that animals react to threats with a general discharge of the sympathetic nervous system, priming the animal for fighting or fleeing. More specifically, the adrenal medulla produces a hormonal cascade that results in the secretion of catecholamines, especially.
Quote:
The reaction begins in the amygdala, which triggers a neural response in the hypothalamus. The initial reaction is followed by activation of the pituitary gland and secretion of the hormone ACTH. The adrenal gland is activated almost simultaneously and releases the neurotransmitter epinephrine. The release of chemical messengers results in the production of the hormone cortisol, which increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and suppresses the immune system. The initial response and subsequent reactions are triggered in an effort to create a boost of energy. This boost of energy is activated by epinephrine binding to liver cells and the subsequent production of glucose. Additionally, the circulation of cortisol functions to turn fatty acids into available energy, which prepares muscles throughout the body for response. Catecholamine hormones, such as adrenaline (epinephrine) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), facilitate immediate physical reactions associated with a preparation for violent muscular action. These include the following:
- Acceleration of heart and lung action
- Paling or flushing, or alternating between both
- Inhibition of stomach and upper-intestinal action to the point where digestion slows down or stops
- General effect on the sphincters of the body
- Constriction of blood vessels in many parts of the body
- Liberation of metabolic energy sources (particularly fat and glycogen) for muscular action
- Dilation of blood vessels for muscles
- Inhibition of the lacrimal gland (responsible for tear production) and salivation
- Dilation of pupil (mydriasis)
- Relaxation of bladder
- Inhibition of erection
- Auditory exclusion (loss of hearing)
- Tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision)
- Disinhibition of spinal reflexes
- Shaking
Quote:
The physiological changes that occur during the fight or flight response are activated in order 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.
- The pupils dilate to help see with increased clarity.
- Increased perspiration to prevent over-heating due to the increased metabolic rate.
Given the above getting back to the Fight or Flight Response in the Autism Spectrum seems to clearly point to a few things:
1) given the difficult regulation of the action of the adrenal glands in many autistic subjects, which is to be seen in the craving for sugar and salt, the incidence of fight or flight accidents in the life of these autistic persons seems likely increased
2) given the high incidence of sensory issues in people on the spectrum the number of stressors potentially activating the fight or flight response is increased
3) given the nature of flight response it's likely that some individuals appear more subject to passive/flight responses or shutdowns
4) given the nature of fight response it's likely that some individuals appear more subject to active/fight responses or meltdowns.
This is where I have gotten so far, what I have found out and the conclusions I have come to.
Hoping that it doesn't sound too stupid or too superficial, I would now ask you for feedback, personal knowledge or anything you feel like adding, correcting, better explaining or expanding.
_________________
Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
Albert Einstein
30 Sep 2013, 5:02 pm
