Stressafhængighed: en undersøgelse af stress som potentielt vanedannde, i et psykobiologisk perspektiv

Sjællænder-Pedersen, Lena

4. semester

Psykologi, Kandidat

2009

2009-02-27

98 pages

The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the rather controversial hypothesis that stress can be addictive. The hypothesis of stress addiction has not yet been covered scientifically, but has only been stated in the literature of popular science. Through an exploration of some of the existing psychobiological literature on stress, addiction and personality, the hypothesis of stress addiction is being examined. Physiological responses to stress stimuli have been covered. There seems to some catecholamine and hormonal changes during stress that can account for a subjective experience of wellbeing. Furthermore stress-induced glucocorticoids (GCs) mediate dopamine release in the mesolimbic system, involved in both substance and behaviour addictions. It’s uncertain whether the stress-induced increase of dopaminergic activity can be associated with a possibility of addiction to stress. Both endogenous and exogenous (GCs) can result in euphoria, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. No attempt has yet been made to clarify whether stress-induced GCs have the same effects. If stress-induced GCs can result in addiction, the general vulnerability of addiction linked to genetics must be considered. Personality theories with emphasis on underlying biological mechanisms show that Type A, Extroversion, BAS drive, Novelty- seeking and sensation-seeking are some of the personality factors to be considered in relation to the stress addiction hypothesis.

stress afhængighed glukokortikoid nucleus accumbens belønning personlighed

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