Jan 23 17:49
3 mos ago
49 viewers *
English term
parasympathetic bias
English
Medical
Medical (general)
parasympathetic nervous system in unsecure attachment
Dear colleages
I have a doubt about the meaning of “parasympathetic bias”, a term used in the passage below, taken from a text about affect regulation and dysregulation. Actually I asked a similar question, about “sympathetic bias” to my Italian colleagues, but I still have a doubt about the “parasympathetic” one....
I guess it means something like: a tendency toward hyperactivation of the parasympathetic nervous system..
So, when there is a sympathetic bias, the sympathetic nervous system tends to be hyperactivated... when there is a parasympathetic bias, the parasympathetic nervous system will tend to be hyperactivated... Do you think this would be a right interpretation?
Thank you so much for your help!
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Lanius’s findings of two types of PTSD are congruent with Schore’s proposal (1994) that the core difference between the two types of structured insecure attachment trauma is that one is organized by hyper- and the other by hypoarousal. That is, anxious-ambivalent attachment trauma results in a sympathetic (hyperaroused/upregulated) autonomic bias, whereas avoidant trauma results in a parasympathetic (hypoaroused/down-regulated) bias. The sympathetic bias generates a hyperaroused set point, hyperaroused responses to stress, and an underregulated, impulsive personality. *** The parasympathetic bias *** results in a hypoaroused set point, hypoactivated responses to stress, and an overregulated/inhibited personality.
I have a doubt about the meaning of “parasympathetic bias”, a term used in the passage below, taken from a text about affect regulation and dysregulation. Actually I asked a similar question, about “sympathetic bias” to my Italian colleagues, but I still have a doubt about the “parasympathetic” one....
I guess it means something like: a tendency toward hyperactivation of the parasympathetic nervous system..
So, when there is a sympathetic bias, the sympathetic nervous system tends to be hyperactivated... when there is a parasympathetic bias, the parasympathetic nervous system will tend to be hyperactivated... Do you think this would be a right interpretation?
Thank you so much for your help!
****************************
Lanius’s findings of two types of PTSD are congruent with Schore’s proposal (1994) that the core difference between the two types of structured insecure attachment trauma is that one is organized by hyper- and the other by hypoarousal. That is, anxious-ambivalent attachment trauma results in a sympathetic (hyperaroused/upregulated) autonomic bias, whereas avoidant trauma results in a parasympathetic (hypoaroused/down-regulated) bias. The sympathetic bias generates a hyperaroused set point, hyperaroused responses to stress, and an underregulated, impulsive personality. *** The parasympathetic bias *** results in a hypoaroused set point, hypoactivated responses to stress, and an overregulated/inhibited personality.
Responses
| 3 +2 | parasympathetic dominance |
Helena Chavarria
|
Responses
+2
55 mins
Helena Chavarria
Spain
Spain
Native in English
&
English
Spain
Striving for excellence
Native in: English (Variant: British) 
Works in: Spanish to English, Catalan to English
Related KudoZ points
:
16
Selected
parasympathetic dominance
I think 'parasympathetic dominance' is the same as 'parasympathetic bias'.
Responses associated with parasympathetic dominance. The dual-sided autonomic nervous system is shown, in which parasympathetic activation outweighs the sympathetic branch. In contrast to sympathetic dominance, a shift to prominent parasympathetic activation leads to peripheral responses associated with membrane potential hyperpolarization and the reversal of the effects seen in Fig. 1. In this state, there is an increase in functional connectivity and alpha waves and a decrease in limbic and amygdala activity. Brain stem activity decreases, which is reflected in decreased respiratory center and cardiovascular center rates. Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension all decrease. High frequency heart rate variability is increased. This parasympathetic shift can be readily achieved through meditation and deep breathing techniques. A pleasant facial expression and widespread hyperpolarization is associated with this state compared to the relatively depolarized state in Fig. 1.
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Responses-associated-wit...
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Note added at 1 hr (2024-01-23 18:53:39 GMT)
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Glad to be of help :-)
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Note added at 3 days 5 hrs (2024-01-26 23:38:06 GMT) Post-grading
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Thanks! I hope you have a good weekend too :-)
Responses associated with parasympathetic dominance. The dual-sided autonomic nervous system is shown, in which parasympathetic activation outweighs the sympathetic branch. In contrast to sympathetic dominance, a shift to prominent parasympathetic activation leads to peripheral responses associated with membrane potential hyperpolarization and the reversal of the effects seen in Fig. 1. In this state, there is an increase in functional connectivity and alpha waves and a decrease in limbic and amygdala activity. Brain stem activity decreases, which is reflected in decreased respiratory center and cardiovascular center rates. Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension all decrease. High frequency heart rate variability is increased. This parasympathetic shift can be readily achieved through meditation and deep breathing techniques. A pleasant facial expression and widespread hyperpolarization is associated with this state compared to the relatively depolarized state in Fig. 1.
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Responses-associated-wit...
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2024-01-23 18:53:39 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Glad to be of help :-)
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 3 days 5 hrs (2024-01-26 23:38:06 GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------
Thanks! I hope you have a good weekend too :-)
Note from asker:
| Thank you so much, Helena, for your explanation and the useful link! |
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Anton Konashenok
59 mins
|
|
Thank you, Anton :-)
|
|
| agree |
philgoddard
1 hr
|
|
Hi, Phil :-)
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you so much, Helena, for your valuable help! Many thanks also to all other colleagues for their contribution!
Have a nice weekend"
Reference comments
30 mins
Helena Chavarria
Spain
Spain
Native in English
&
English
Spain
Striving for excellence
Native in: English (Variant: British)
Works in: Spanish to English, Catalan to English
Related KudoZ points
:
16
Reference:
Q. Can the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems function simultaneously? Why or why not?
A. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems have opposite effects on the body. It would not be efficient to operate both systems simultaneously, therefore they do not operate at the same time. Both systems functioning simultaneously would be counterproductive, resulting in no physiological change, as each system would counter the effects of the other.
Q. Why is it efficient for the body to have two different autonomic systems? What would be the implications of having only one autonomic system, i.e., a hybrid of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
A. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems elicit specific responses to a given situation. These two opposing systems allow the body to respond optimally and efficiently to the presented situation. Having a single autonomic system would be less efficient. With a single autonomic system, the body may not be able to respond as optimally to a threatening scenario or, conversely, the body may "over-respond" to a relaxed situation, i.e., reading a book.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-sympathetic-and-parasym...
The sympathetic nervous system's primary process is to stimulate the body's fight or flight response. It is, however, constantly active at a basic level to maintain homeostasis. The sympathetic nervous system is described as being antagonistic to the parasympathetic nervous system. The latter stimulates the body to "feed and breed" and to (then) "rest-and-digest".
The SNS has a major role in various physiological processes such as blood glucose levels, body temperature, cardiac output, and immune system function. The formation of sympathetic neurons being observed at embryonic stage of life and its development during aging shows its significance in health. While its dysfunction has shown to be linked to various health disorders.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_nervous_system
The parasympathetic system is responsible for stimulation of "rest-and-digest" or "feed and breed" activities that occur when the body is at rest, especially after eating, including sexual arousal, salivation, lacrimation (tears), urination, digestion, and defecation. Its action is described as being complementary to that of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for stimulating activities associated with the fight-or-flight response.
Nerve fibres of the parasympathetic nervous system arise from the central nervous system. Specific nerves include several cranial nerves, specifically the oculomotor nerve, facial nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, and vagus nerve. Three spinal nerves in the sacrum (S2–4), commonly referred to as the pelvic splanchnic nerves, also act as parasympathetic nerves.
Owing to its location, the parasympathetic system is commonly referred to as having "craniosacral outflow", which stands in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which is said to have "thoracolumbar outflow".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasympathetic_nervous_system
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Note added at 33 mins (2024-01-23 18:23:08 GMT)
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Parasympathetic Dominance can be indicated by the presence of symptoms that both show a slowed down, under-energetic nature, and an under-functioning of the Sympathetic side such as frequent illness, slow to heal injuries, dislike of exercise, and lack of motivation. It is important to note that it is possible to swing between states of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Dominance. Like a pendulum between both extremes and indicates a need to nutritionally support both sides.
https://salinachiropractic.com/chiropractic-info/services-an...
A. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems have opposite effects on the body. It would not be efficient to operate both systems simultaneously, therefore they do not operate at the same time. Both systems functioning simultaneously would be counterproductive, resulting in no physiological change, as each system would counter the effects of the other.
Q. Why is it efficient for the body to have two different autonomic systems? What would be the implications of having only one autonomic system, i.e., a hybrid of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
A. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems elicit specific responses to a given situation. These two opposing systems allow the body to respond optimally and efficiently to the presented situation. Having a single autonomic system would be less efficient. With a single autonomic system, the body may not be able to respond as optimally to a threatening scenario or, conversely, the body may "over-respond" to a relaxed situation, i.e., reading a book.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-sympathetic-and-parasym...
The sympathetic nervous system's primary process is to stimulate the body's fight or flight response. It is, however, constantly active at a basic level to maintain homeostasis. The sympathetic nervous system is described as being antagonistic to the parasympathetic nervous system. The latter stimulates the body to "feed and breed" and to (then) "rest-and-digest".
The SNS has a major role in various physiological processes such as blood glucose levels, body temperature, cardiac output, and immune system function. The formation of sympathetic neurons being observed at embryonic stage of life and its development during aging shows its significance in health. While its dysfunction has shown to be linked to various health disorders.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_nervous_system
The parasympathetic system is responsible for stimulation of "rest-and-digest" or "feed and breed" activities that occur when the body is at rest, especially after eating, including sexual arousal, salivation, lacrimation (tears), urination, digestion, and defecation. Its action is described as being complementary to that of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for stimulating activities associated with the fight-or-flight response.
Nerve fibres of the parasympathetic nervous system arise from the central nervous system. Specific nerves include several cranial nerves, specifically the oculomotor nerve, facial nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, and vagus nerve. Three spinal nerves in the sacrum (S2–4), commonly referred to as the pelvic splanchnic nerves, also act as parasympathetic nerves.
Owing to its location, the parasympathetic system is commonly referred to as having "craniosacral outflow", which stands in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which is said to have "thoracolumbar outflow".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasympathetic_nervous_system
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 33 mins (2024-01-23 18:23:08 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Parasympathetic Dominance can be indicated by the presence of symptoms that both show a slowed down, under-energetic nature, and an under-functioning of the Sympathetic side such as frequent illness, slow to heal injuries, dislike of exercise, and lack of motivation. It is important to note that it is possible to swing between states of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Dominance. Like a pendulum between both extremes and indicates a need to nutritionally support both sides.
https://salinachiropractic.com/chiropractic-info/services-an...
Note from asker:
| Thank you so much, Helena, for your useful reference, especially the last part: I can see that "dominance" is common also in Italian... Why don't you post an answer? I would really be pleased to give you points! |
Discussion
When there is a parasympathetic bias, the body is more inclined towards states of relaxation, digestion, and energy conservation. This bias can manifest in various physiological responses such as a lower heart rate, reduced stress hormones, and enhanced digestion. While a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity is vital for health, a parasympathetic bias can be beneficial in managing stress, promoting relaxation, and supporting recovery from illness or exertion.
The sympathetic nervous system is often described as responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, activating and mobilizing energy in response to stress or perceived threats. It increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy reserves, among other effects.
In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is associated with "rest and digest" functions. It is active during relaxed states and is responsible for conserving energy, slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles.
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