Combat Stress Reaction - Pathophysiology - SNS Activation

SNS Activation

Many of the symptoms initially experienced by CSR sufferers are effects of an extended activation of the human body's fight-or-flight response. The fight-or-flight response involves a general sympathetic nervous system discharge in reaction to a perceived stress and prepares the body to fight or run from the threat causing the stress.Catecholamine hormones, such as adrenaline or noradrenaline, facilitate immediate physical reactions associated with a preparation for violent muscular action. While the flight-or-fight-response normally resolves with the removal of the threat, combat zones lead to extended life threatening situations in which soldiers are unable to neutralize the threat and are in a state of constant acute stress.