Figure 6.1 The autonomic nervous system (ANS) Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Figure 6.2 The endocrine system: The HPA pathway Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Figure 6.3 Pathways of arousal and fear Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Table 6.1 Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Factors which can lead to stress disorders Genetic and Biological factors – abnormalities in hippocampus and amygdala Coping style (explanatory style) Sense of control Childhood experiences (poverty or trauma) Social Support System Cultural Factors (Hispanics more likely to get stress disorders – p. 178) Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Treatment for ASD/PTSD Exposure therapy/EMDR – eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Rap groups (support groups) Debriefing Patient must come to term with guilt Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Table 6.3 Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Psychsomatic disorders – Actual PHYSICAL damage Ulcers Asthma Insomnia Headaches Hypertension (high bp) Heart Disease Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers

Psychoneuroimmunology – interaction between nervous system and immune system Stress DECREASES immune function (prolonged exposure of norepinephrine and cortisol) Comer: Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2010 by Worth Publishers