Anxiety: Fight or Flight Response

Every day, people must cope with anxiety and stress in their lives. Depending on the level of stress and anxiety, the method for coping with stress varies. When mental anxiety reaches a peak, the natural human response involves what is known as the "fight or flight response." Also known as "acute stress response," it is a commonly accepted form of human reaction when confronted with intense stress and anxiety and is notable for the physiological effects it causes.

Definition

• First identified by Walter Cannon in the 1920s, the fight or flight response theory was developed around the concept that human beings react in similarly to animals when confronted with extreme danger. According to Michigan State University's Olin Health Center, the response involves a discharge of large amounts of adrenaline and norepinephrine into the body, serving as a general defense mechanism. By preparing the body to either directly confront or flee from a source of stress, "fight or flight" strengthens the body for strenuous and vigorous activity.

Causes

• The fight or flight response is directly related to extreme levels of stress. Whereas early animal-like instincts were likely triggered by the presence of predators or other environmental effects, today's stresses come from other aspects of life. Workplace stress, money issues and other everyday sources of stress are just as likely to cause the fight or flight response. The authors of Anxiety Happens specify that the modern sources of extreme stress are less likely to be safely negotiated by the fight or flight response. Dealing with a potential mugger or avoiding a potential automobile accident will benefit from fight or flight responses, whereas dealing with confrontational coworkers may not.

Symptoms

• A person experiencing the fight of flight response will encounter a number of physiological responses, based on the body's response to the level of stress. The Olin Health Center describes increased heart rate, blood pressure and respiration as all present during a body's response to extreme anxiety. Pupil dilation, increased perspiration and a general decrease in gastrointestinal activity are also all symptoms of fight or flight response.

Long-term Effects

• High levels of anxiety are harmful when left unchecked over long periods. WebMD writer Jeanie Lerche Davis describes sleeplessness, poor appetite, headaches and even severe panic attacks as resulting symptoms from long-term anxiety. Failure to address anxiety can result in any of these effects and even lead to depression-like symptoms in the long term.

Anxiety Management

• To prevent the long-term physical effects of anxiety, many effective techniques are available. The authors of Factsforhealth.org suggest a number of different strategies and treatments that can allow individuals suffering from stress and anxiety to gain control. Practicing breathing and relaxation techniques, engaging in positive self-talk and in assertiveness training are suggested as methods for controlling and preventing anxiety during stressful situations. Working to control the level of anxiety in one's life is crucial for avoiding the potentially harmful effects of prolonged fight or flight response.