fight flight freeze response & role of cortisol

fff response

an automatic response to a threatening, fearful or stressful situation, involving physiological changes produced by sympathetic ns.

fight response

involves dealing with the stressor directly

• picking bat to hit intruder

• Increased adrenaline and cortisol levels

• boost strength, focus, and energy.

flight response

involves evading or escaping the stressor

• running away from intruder

freeze response

involves the immobilisation of the body such as minimising body movement or vocal sounds

• hiding in cupboard to avoid detection

flight fight response

• activated by the sympathetic ns

• unconscious

• helps prepare us for situation

freeze response

• thought to have adaptive value

• playing dead

• freezing is a way for ns to prepare to immediately shift into fight or flight action

• parasympathetic break

steps in fff initiated by brain

• threat perceived, hypothalamus is activated

• activates sympathetic ns

• stimulates adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline into blood to activate fff response

• results in physiological changes such as dilated pupils and increased hr

• body cannot maintain intensity for long

prolonged stress- cortisol

if stressor persists , cortisol is released into blood by adrenal glands to energise body by increasing energy supply such as blood sugar

• during fff glucose is released and cortisol helps ensure the amount of glucose remains high

• cortisol helps body remain at above average levels of arousal longer

benefits of cortisol in chronic stress conditions

• boosting energy levels and blood glucose levels

• increase alertness

• increase body ability to repair tissue

• divert energy from non essential functions

cortisol

stress hormone that is released to deal with prolonged stress