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Neuroendocrine Threat Response

Meaning

The Neuroendocrine Threat Response is the rapid, integrated physiological cascade involving both the nervous and endocrine systems that is activated immediately upon perception of a physical or psychological stressor. This adaptive, survival-oriented reaction involves the acute release of catecholamines and the activation of the HPA axis, resulting in widespread physiological changes to prepare the body for “fight or flight.” Chronic or exaggerated responses, however, contribute to allostatic overload.