Health Psychology 2 - January 2024

The hypothalamus, amygdala, and insula are brain regions involved in the production of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a key hormone in the stress response.

The setpoint theory suggests that our happiness levels are partly determined by our genetic predisposition and temperament. However, our intentional activities and life circumstances can significantly influence our happiness.

Perseverative cognitions are repetitive and intrusive thoughts that can contribute to prolonged stress and anxiety. These thoughts are linked to increased heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels, and reduced heart rate variability.

Stress can negatively impact the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory and learning, leading to shorter dendrites in neurons. This suggests that prolonged stress may impair cognitive function.

Physical activity has a positive impact on the brain, particularly the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning. The study suggests that exercise can help maintain cognitive function as we age.

Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside of the central nervous system, serving as relay stations for both sensory and motor information.

The main stress hormones according to Lavello are cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones are released during the stress response.

Stress can increase the permeability of the small intestine, making it more susceptible to harmful substances. This can trigger an inflammatory response involving mast cells, which release histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

After a social stress task, individuals with asthma demonstrate increased levels of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and cortisol, which are associated with heightened inflammation and stress response. Additionally, there is increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region involved in stress regulation.

The perception of dyspnea (shortness of breath) in asthma does not show a consistent brain activity pattern. Some areas of the brain show heightened activity compared to healthy controls, while others exhibit reduced activity.

Stress hormones, like cortisol, play a role in regulating the nervous system and immune responses. Cortisol can enhance the synthesis of catecholamines, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, in both adrenal medulla and neurons.

Sedentary behavior has been linked to increased inflammation markers in the body. These inflammatory changes cannot be reversed solely by engaging in physical activity. This suggests that physical activity alone is not sufficient to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Stress directly impacts asthma symptoms through various pathways. Increased levels of inflammatory cells, the release of cortisol, and changes in muscle cells all contribute to exacerbating asthma symptoms during stressful events.

Social defeat, a form of chronic stress in rodents, triggers immune responses in the brain. This is reflected by an increased concentration of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the amygdala.

The perception of physical pain and social pain shares common neural pathways. Specifically, activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula, brain regions involved in pain processing, is highly correlated with empathy, suggesting that the brain processes social pain similar to physical pain.

The parasympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system, is responsible for maintaining and restoring the body's energy reserves. It carries out various functions such as constricting pupils, contracting airways (bronchoconstriction), and widening blood vessels (vasodilation), all contributing to relaxation and energy conservation.

The gut microbiome communicates with the brain through neuronal and hormonal pathways, influencing stress responses, appetite, and mood.

The presence of another person can change how we perceive and process physical sensations. Observing someone in pain can make us more sensitive to our own discomfort.

Higher levels of positive emotions are associated with better survival rates in individuals living with HIV.

Social isolation can negatively impact overall health and well-being. Breaking the cycle of loneliness can improve exercise capacity and quality of life.

Reduced sensory gating refers to a diminished ability to filter out irrelevant sensory information, leading to a heightened response to stimuli. This can be seen as an over-sensitivity to the external world.