Stress Busters: How Your Nervous System Hacks Your Mood 

Presenter: EUNICE ADDAE-WUSU

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biology

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A1

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to understand how stress affects our mood by using both autonomic and neuroendocrine systems which work together as a single system. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activates when people experience stress which results in different cortisol patterns. The body creates irregular cortisol patterns because of prolonged stress which increases the risk for people to develop mood disorders. This research indicates the differences between short-term adaptive stress responses and long-term stress-related physiological dysregulation. The autonomic system regulates emotional control by maintaining a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic system activities. The heart-rate variability which shows parasympathetic activity has a positive relationship with emotional regulation skills, but sympathetic dominance causes people to become more anxious and irritable. Research conducted in controlled environments shows that behavioral interventions which include paced breathing and mindfulness practices, physical exercise, sleep improvement and social connection help people manage their stress levels and their mood better. This is through modifications in autonomic function, inflammatory responses, and neurotransmitter systems including GABAergic and dopaminergic pathways. The research synthesis reveals critical steps which indicate that using multiple stress management techniques will lead to better physiological flexibility and improved mental health. These findings show that stress management methods can help with mental health treatment and prevention programs. When doctors and clinicians study the autonomic system and the neuroendocrine system, they can help people deal with stress. They can also help people manage emotions and lower the chance of mood problems.

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