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PHOBIA LIBRARY
Read up on fear, panic and phobia to get a general overview of phobias and trauma and fear management. Learn mindfulness based self care principles and exercises for managing phobias from my books on trauma and self care.
JUMP TO A CHAPTER
Fear | Function | Thought | Treatment | Coping
For Help See: Fear in the Brain | Fear Dictionary
JUMP TO A CHAPTER
Fear | Function | Thought | Treatment | Coping
For Help See: Fear in the Brain | Fear Dictionary
THE LIBRARY TOPIC HOME PAGES
Introduction to Trauma, Fear and Phobia
Part 1: Defining Fear and the Fear Response
Part 2: Emotional & Cognitive Functions of Fear
Part 3: Maladaptive Thought Processing
Part 4: Professional Therapy & Mindful Self Care
THE PHOBIA COLLECTION DOWNLOADS
Browse Collection of Phobias by Topic
Download Collection of Phobias
Download Dictionary of Fear and Phobia
Download Self Care Guides for Coping
Introduction to Trauma, Fear and Phobia
Part 1: Defining Fear and the Fear Response
Part 2: Emotional & Cognitive Functions of Fear
Part 3: Maladaptive Thought Processing
Part 4: Professional Therapy & Mindful Self Care
THE PHOBIA COLLECTION DOWNLOADS
Browse Collection of Phobias by Topic
Download Collection of Phobias
Download Dictionary of Fear and Phobia
Download Self Care Guides for Coping
PART ONE - FEAR
DEFINING FEAR AND THE FEAR RESPONSE
Articles defining fear, brain structure, fear conditioning, the fear response (fight, flight or freeze), & characteristics of panic & anxiety attacks
DIRECTORY OF FEAR
Characteristics of the Primal Emotion of Fear
Phobia Calls on the Fear Conditioning Process
Identifying the Brain Structures of Fear
Chemical Reactions in the Brain
Fear Triggers the Fight or Flight Response
Can’t Fight or Flight - Then Stop and Freeze
Fear Symptoms That Aggravate Anxiety
What Happens During a Panic Attack
Fear Manipulation of People and the Collective
Characteristics of the Primal Emotion of Fear
Phobia Calls on the Fear Conditioning Process
Identifying the Brain Structures of Fear
Chemical Reactions in the Brain
Fear Triggers the Fight or Flight Response
Can’t Fight or Flight - Then Stop and Freeze
Fear Symptoms That Aggravate Anxiety
What Happens During a Panic Attack
Fear Manipulation of People and the Collective
ALL CONTENT PROVIDED BY MY BOOKS ON MINDFUL SELF CARE FOR TRAUMA AND FEAR
Download for Free Here
Download for Free Here
Download the Glossary of Fear
For help with the terms in this series
Download the Panic and Fear Dictionary of the Brain
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Hormones and Neurotransmitters in the Brain
PROCESSING FEAR
THE HORMONES
STRESS RESPONSE PLAYERS ARE HORMONES
THE KEY ROLE IS CORTISOL
A very important hormone that is essential to regulating stress responses is called cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones, and is produced in the adrenal gland. The primary control of cortisol is the pituitary gland peptide, ACTH, which controls cortisol by controlling the movement of calcium into the cortisol-secreting target cells. ACTH is is controlled by the hypothalamic peptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is under nervous control.
Cortisol is released in response to stress. It’s physical function is to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also decreases bone formation.
Cortisol works with adrenaline (epinephrine) to create memories of short-term emotional events; this is the mechanism for storage of “flash bulb” memories, and may be used as a means to remember risks to avoid in the future. However, excessive and long-term exposure to cortisol damages cells in the hippocampus.
In PTSD cortisol levels have been shown to be lower than normal. Cortisol has a strengthening impact on the consolidation of memories which is a several-hour processing period that triggers immediately after an event.
ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONES are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer region of the adrenal gland. These steroid hormones have a variety of roles that are crucial for the body’s response to stress like in the fight-or-flight response,. The inner part called the adrenal medulla is what secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine to trigger activation of the “fight or flight” response. Threats such as injury, chemical imbalances, infection, or psychological stress, can activate stress responses.
CORTICOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONES are peptide hormones that drive the body's response to stress. In PTSD this hormone is increased which can have a range of negative effects. CRH can suppress appetite, increase subjective feelings of anxiety, and affect performance of executive functions. In animal studies, research has shown that CRH can contribute to the symptoms of psychiatric disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and major depression. Research has also noted abnormally high levels of CRH in the cerebrospinal fluid of people who have committed suicide. Finally, studies have discovered a link between the activation of the CRH1 receptor with the euphoric feelings associated with alcohol consumption and intoxication. This link has application in cases of PTSD with comorbid drug or alcohol addiction.
PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) is abnormally high in the blood levels of women with PTSD. In the body PACAP stimulates the central nervous system (affecting anxiety levels) and contributes to metabolism, blood pressure, pain sensitivity and immune function. In the brain, PACAP contributes to Neuroplasticity because it can help brain cells survive, grow and form neural connections.
THE KEY ROLE IS CORTISOL
A very important hormone that is essential to regulating stress responses is called cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones, and is produced in the adrenal gland. The primary control of cortisol is the pituitary gland peptide, ACTH, which controls cortisol by controlling the movement of calcium into the cortisol-secreting target cells. ACTH is is controlled by the hypothalamic peptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is under nervous control.
Cortisol is released in response to stress. It’s physical function is to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also decreases bone formation.
Cortisol works with adrenaline (epinephrine) to create memories of short-term emotional events; this is the mechanism for storage of “flash bulb” memories, and may be used as a means to remember risks to avoid in the future. However, excessive and long-term exposure to cortisol damages cells in the hippocampus.
In PTSD cortisol levels have been shown to be lower than normal. Cortisol has a strengthening impact on the consolidation of memories which is a several-hour processing period that triggers immediately after an event.
ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONES are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer region of the adrenal gland. These steroid hormones have a variety of roles that are crucial for the body’s response to stress like in the fight-or-flight response,. The inner part called the adrenal medulla is what secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine to trigger activation of the “fight or flight” response. Threats such as injury, chemical imbalances, infection, or psychological stress, can activate stress responses.
CORTICOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONES are peptide hormones that drive the body's response to stress. In PTSD this hormone is increased which can have a range of negative effects. CRH can suppress appetite, increase subjective feelings of anxiety, and affect performance of executive functions. In animal studies, research has shown that CRH can contribute to the symptoms of psychiatric disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and major depression. Research has also noted abnormally high levels of CRH in the cerebrospinal fluid of people who have committed suicide. Finally, studies have discovered a link between the activation of the CRH1 receptor with the euphoric feelings associated with alcohol consumption and intoxication. This link has application in cases of PTSD with comorbid drug or alcohol addiction.
PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) is abnormally high in the blood levels of women with PTSD. In the body PACAP stimulates the central nervous system (affecting anxiety levels) and contributes to metabolism, blood pressure, pain sensitivity and immune function. In the brain, PACAP contributes to Neuroplasticity because it can help brain cells survive, grow and form neural connections.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS
ELECTRICAL PLAYERS ARE NEUROTRANSMITTERS
They are Chemical Messengers.
A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that carries, boosts, and balances signals between neurons (or nerve cells) and other cells in the body. These messengers can affect both physical and psychological functions including heart rate, sleep, appetite, mood, anxiety, panic and fear. Billions of neurotransmitter molecules work to keep our brains functioning and they manage everything from our breathing to our heartbeat to our learning and our focus and concentration.
A nerve cell, the neuron, collects electrical and/or chemical input and, once conditions are met, can fire an action potential along its axon. The action potential causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which can then act on adjacent neurons. The human brain has about 100 billion neurons arranged in an astonishingly complex network.
Chemical messengers released by neurons at a synapse to relay information to other cells. Neurons form elaborate networks through which nerve impulses, or action potentials, travel. Each neuron has as many as 15,000 connections with neighboring neurons. Neurons are not simply connected to one another. Each one has a tiny gap called a synapse and for it to communicate with the next cell the signal needs to cross this small space. This process is a neurotransmission.
Defining the Action Potential
A neuron transports its information through a nerve impulse called an action potential. When an action potential arrives at the destination, it may stimulate the release of neurotransmitters. Other terms associated with this process are “impulse” and “spike.” It is an explosion of electrical activity.
These neurotransmitters bind onto the receptors of the postsynaptic membrane and influence another cell, either in an inhibitory or excitatory way. The next neuron may be connected to many more neurons. If the total of excitatory influences minus the inhibitory influences is great enough, it will "fire".
- Firing means it will create a new action potential, release neurotransmitters and pass on the information to yet another neighboring neuron.
Neurotransmitters
act like a key and the receptor sites are the lock.
It just takes the right key to open specific locks. If the neurotransmitter can work on the receptor site, it triggers changes in the receiving cell. If there is neuron damage and the key can’t find the lock or it can’t insert it, then there is a malfunction and it becomes a chemical imbalance. Chemical imbalances can be seen in psychiatric disorders like generalized anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression.
EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS
EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Catecholamine: An organic molecule that contains a catechol group and a single amine group. They are Excitatory neurotransmitters which means they have excitatory effects on the neuron, They increase the likelihood that the neuron will fire an action potential.
ADRENALINE/EPINEPHRINE is a catecholamine hormone or neurotransmitter and is produced by the adrenal gland and by neurons within the sympathetic nervous system.
Epinephrine increases cardiac output (heart rate, blood pressure), dilates airways, and raises blood glucose levels. Epinephrine is released in the fight or flight response and has an activating effect on the amygdala.
NOREPINEPHRINE is a catecholamine hormone or neurotransmitter and is produced by the adrenal gland, sympathetic nervous system ganglia, and the locus coeruleus neurons. Levels of this neurotransmitter are highest during stress. Prolonged activation of the body in this state, especially if it’s stuck in a loop, leads to further damage of the amygdala, affects associated neurotransmitters and exacerbates the effects of stress symptoms.
Norepinephrine increases heart rate and blood pressure, increases alertness, speed of action, and vigilance. It is important for the alertness associated with the fight or flight response. It mobilizes the body and brain to act in danger or stress.
DOPAMINE is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. It functions both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter, and plays several important roles in the brain and body. A distinct dopamine pathway plays a major role in the motivational component of reward-motivated behavior. The anticipation of most types of rewards increases the level of dopamine in the brain, and many addictive drugs increase dopamine release or block its reuptake into neurons following the release. Several types of addictive drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain and trigger euphoria which then becomes a desirable state which results in addiction. Dopamine is converted into norepinephrine and Norepinephrine is converted into epinephrine.
Dopamine is responsible for coordination of body movements, the functions of the motivation and reward center of the brain, and contributes to the effects of addiction.
GLUTAMATE is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Glutamate plays a crucial role in the human stress response and is in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Release of glutamate leads to the long-term changes that ensure memory is encoded. GABA receptor activation inhibits this process, which is why benzodiazepines lead to amnesia. The most prevalent transmitter is glutamate, which is excitatory at well over 90% of the synapses in the human brain.
Glutamate is key to memory formation and plays a role in vital cognitive functions such as for learning capacity.
Catecholamine: An organic molecule that contains a catechol group and a single amine group. They are Excitatory neurotransmitters which means they have excitatory effects on the neuron, They increase the likelihood that the neuron will fire an action potential.
- The most important catecholamines are epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
- The major excitatory neurotransmitters include epinephrine and norepinephrine.
ADRENALINE/EPINEPHRINE is a catecholamine hormone or neurotransmitter and is produced by the adrenal gland and by neurons within the sympathetic nervous system.
Epinephrine increases cardiac output (heart rate, blood pressure), dilates airways, and raises blood glucose levels. Epinephrine is released in the fight or flight response and has an activating effect on the amygdala.
NOREPINEPHRINE is a catecholamine hormone or neurotransmitter and is produced by the adrenal gland, sympathetic nervous system ganglia, and the locus coeruleus neurons. Levels of this neurotransmitter are highest during stress. Prolonged activation of the body in this state, especially if it’s stuck in a loop, leads to further damage of the amygdala, affects associated neurotransmitters and exacerbates the effects of stress symptoms.
Norepinephrine increases heart rate and blood pressure, increases alertness, speed of action, and vigilance. It is important for the alertness associated with the fight or flight response. It mobilizes the body and brain to act in danger or stress.
DOPAMINE is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. It functions both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter, and plays several important roles in the brain and body. A distinct dopamine pathway plays a major role in the motivational component of reward-motivated behavior. The anticipation of most types of rewards increases the level of dopamine in the brain, and many addictive drugs increase dopamine release or block its reuptake into neurons following the release. Several types of addictive drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain and trigger euphoria which then becomes a desirable state which results in addiction. Dopamine is converted into norepinephrine and Norepinephrine is converted into epinephrine.
Dopamine is responsible for coordination of body movements, the functions of the motivation and reward center of the brain, and contributes to the effects of addiction.
GLUTAMATE is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Glutamate plays a crucial role in the human stress response and is in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Release of glutamate leads to the long-term changes that ensure memory is encoded. GABA receptor activation inhibits this process, which is why benzodiazepines lead to amnesia. The most prevalent transmitter is glutamate, which is excitatory at well over 90% of the synapses in the human brain.
Glutamate is key to memory formation and plays a role in vital cognitive functions such as for learning capacity.
INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Inhibitory neurotransmitters have inhibitory effects on the neuron; they decrease the likelihood that the neuron will fire an action potential.
Key neurotransmitters are GABA, Serotonin, and Endorphins.
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) acts as the body's main inhibitory chemical messenger. Many sedative/tranquilizing drugs act by enhancing the effects of GABA. Benzodiazepines function by increasing the efficiency of GABA neurotransmitters which increase feelings of relaxation and calm.
GABA affects vision, motor control, and contributes to the regulation of anxiety.
SEROTONIN is a monoamine neurotransmitter. It is a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness, though its actual biological function is complex by affecting cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction. Most of serotonin is produced by and found in the intestine (approximately 90%), and the remainder in central nervous system neurons.
Serotonin regulates and modulates mood and affects depression, sleep, anxiety, sexuality, and appetite.
ENDORPHINS are neurotransmitters produced naturally by the body in response to pain. they are typically associated with activities like aerobic exercise. For example, a "runner's high" is an example of euphoric feelings generated by endorphins.
Endorphins inhibit the transmission of pain signals and promote feelings of euphoria.
OTHER KEY PLAYERS
Acetylcholine is the only neurotransmitter in its class. Found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems and found at the neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholine neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction is essential for skeletal muscle activation.
Acetylcholine is believed to play a key role in memory. It is associated with motor neurons. It plays a role in muscle movements as well as learning.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It affects autonomic control, sensory transduction, and communication with glial cells.
Adenosine is involved in suppressing arousing and improving sleep. Research suggests it may also have a part in some neurological problems including pain, trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Key neurotransmitters are GABA, Serotonin, and Endorphins.
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) acts as the body's main inhibitory chemical messenger. Many sedative/tranquilizing drugs act by enhancing the effects of GABA. Benzodiazepines function by increasing the efficiency of GABA neurotransmitters which increase feelings of relaxation and calm.
GABA affects vision, motor control, and contributes to the regulation of anxiety.
SEROTONIN is a monoamine neurotransmitter. It is a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness, though its actual biological function is complex by affecting cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction. Most of serotonin is produced by and found in the intestine (approximately 90%), and the remainder in central nervous system neurons.
Serotonin regulates and modulates mood and affects depression, sleep, anxiety, sexuality, and appetite.
ENDORPHINS are neurotransmitters produced naturally by the body in response to pain. they are typically associated with activities like aerobic exercise. For example, a "runner's high" is an example of euphoric feelings generated by endorphins.
Endorphins inhibit the transmission of pain signals and promote feelings of euphoria.
OTHER KEY PLAYERS
Acetylcholine is the only neurotransmitter in its class. Found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems and found at the neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholine neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction is essential for skeletal muscle activation.
Acetylcholine is believed to play a key role in memory. It is associated with motor neurons. It plays a role in muscle movements as well as learning.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It affects autonomic control, sensory transduction, and communication with glial cells.
Adenosine is involved in suppressing arousing and improving sleep. Research suggests it may also have a part in some neurological problems including pain, trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders.
MORE ON FEAR
Characteristics of the Primal Emotion of Fear
Phobia Calls on the Fear Conditioning Process
Identifying the Brain Structures of Fear
Chemical Reactions in the Brain
Fear Triggers the Fight or Flight Response
Can’t Fight or Flight - Then Stop and Freeze
Fear Symptoms That Aggravate Anxiety
What Happens During a Panic Attack
Fear Manipulation of People and the Collective
Characteristics of the Primal Emotion of Fear
Phobia Calls on the Fear Conditioning Process
Identifying the Brain Structures of Fear
Chemical Reactions in the Brain
Fear Triggers the Fight or Flight Response
Can’t Fight or Flight - Then Stop and Freeze
Fear Symptoms That Aggravate Anxiety
What Happens During a Panic Attack
Fear Manipulation of People and the Collective
This content is provided for informational purposes only. Author is not a medical professional. Talk to your doctor to determine what therapy is right for you.
Self care techniques are meant to supplement professional treatment not replace it.
DISCLAIMER OF THE LEARNING LIBRARY
Self care techniques are meant to supplement professional treatment not replace it.
DISCLAIMER OF THE LEARNING LIBRARY
BROWSE PHOBIA COLLECTION
Phobia collection is presented in eight themed parts
VIEW LIST INDEX or JUMP TO A PART
PART [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ]
PHOBIA COLLECTION BY TOPIC
common ~ abstract ~ ordinary ~ bizarre ~ catastrophic ~ psyche ~ icky - academic ~ knowledge ~ education ~ literary ~ art ~ music ~ religion ~ political ~ law ~ order military ~ war ~ discrimination ~ science ~ chemical ~ energy ~ time ~ numbers ~ technology ~ nature ~ environment ~ astronomy ~ weather ~ geography ~ people ~ family ~ community ~ anatomy ~ medical ~ disease ~ emotions ~ senses ~ sensations ~ movement ~ conditions~ love ~ relationships ~ sexuality ~ lifestyle ~ places ~ events ~ objects ~ clothing ~ tools ~ vehicles ~ home ~ cooking ~ food ~ entertainment ~ sports ~ recreation ~ toys ~ games ~ monsters ~ characters ~ spooky ~ nightmares ~ delusional ~ joke ~ fiction
DOWNLOAD PONDERING THE PHOBIA
Now Available for Download for Offline Reading
All the phobias in one download. Browse by both topic/subject and by alphabetized list
Download/Share: http://bit.ly/ponderingphobia
OTHER PHOBIA AND FEAR DOWNLOADS:
Dictionary of Trauma, Phobia and Fear
Self Care Guides for Fear & Phobias
common ~ abstract ~ ordinary ~ bizarre ~ catastrophic ~ psyche ~ icky - academic ~ knowledge ~ education ~ literary ~ art ~ music ~ religion ~ political ~ law ~ order military ~ war ~ discrimination ~ science ~ chemical ~ energy ~ time ~ numbers ~ technology ~ nature ~ environment ~ astronomy ~ weather ~ geography ~ people ~ family ~ community ~ anatomy ~ medical ~ disease ~ emotions ~ senses ~ sensations ~ movement ~ conditions~ love ~ relationships ~ sexuality ~ lifestyle ~ places ~ events ~ objects ~ clothing ~ tools ~ vehicles ~ home ~ cooking ~ food ~ entertainment ~ sports ~ recreation ~ toys ~ games ~ monsters ~ characters ~ spooky ~ nightmares ~ delusional ~ joke ~ fiction
DOWNLOAD PONDERING THE PHOBIA
Now Available for Download for Offline Reading
All the phobias in one download. Browse by both topic/subject and by alphabetized list
Download/Share: http://bit.ly/ponderingphobia
OTHER PHOBIA AND FEAR DOWNLOADS:
Dictionary of Trauma, Phobia and Fear
Self Care Guides for Fear & Phobias
Phobia articles provided by my self care series Healing the PTSD Mind and my series on mindfulness based self care Be Mindful Be Well. These self directed guides are written from a trauma perspective but the content applies to the symptoms of phobia like fear and panic. Learn and simple self care techniques with mindfulness.
BE MINDFUL. BE WELL. TRY MINDFULNESS.
DOWNLOAD SELF CARE GUIDES FOR FREE
Books copyright 2021 by By Kairos
BE MINDFUL. BE WELL. TRY MINDFULNESS.
DOWNLOAD SELF CARE GUIDES FOR FREE
Books copyright 2021 by By Kairos
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A SERIES OF BEAUTIFUL WORDS
Collection of Vocabulary Books, Sites and Resources
Series Homepage | View Sites | Download Books
Words are also posted on twitter under the hashtags #beautifulwords and #wordoftheday and shared visually on pinterest bulletin boards
ABOUT SITE | SITEMAPS | SEARCH | FEEDBACK
Content by Kairos ~ @kairosoflife
Homepage | Portfolio | Contact
Original content © 2021 Copyright, Kairos
