Prolactin--a hormone that mirrors passiveness in crisis situations.

According to previous animal research and psychological laboratory experiments in humans, plasma prolactin varies in relation to psychosocial stress. However, the findings in published studies are difficult to interpret. In some studies increased levels and, in other studies, decreased levels were observed. The present report summarizes findings from four different real-life stress studies that have had a longitudinal design. Findings indicate that change situations associated with passive coping are accompanied by increased plasma prolactin levels whereas change situations associated with active coping are associated with unchanged or even lowered levels. The regulation of plasma prolactin is part of a dopaminergic system. It is speculated that prolactin may be needed for preservation of vital functions during withdrawal.     

Cardiovascular dysfunction related to threat, avoidance, and vigilant work: Application of event-related potential and critique

An integrative approach is suggested to track symbolically simulated work environment stressors, as an act to burden higher cortical function in the exposed groups. ERP would be made together with measurement of end organ stress responses as well as measurements of perceived conditions. Field studies would be the necessary complement. The following conclusions are culled from the reviewed literature: among the pilots, cardiovascular problems are the most important cause of loss of license in Europe and North America. Interactions with coworkers for air traffic controllers have been associated with cardiovascular disability. Comparing various degrees of heart disease severity among professional drivers, the IHD drivers showed the smallest N2 amplitudes and the greatest diastolic blood pressure reactivity. P300 target amplitude showed an inverse correlation with number of work hours behind the wheel. The IHD drivers were envisioned in a phase of disturbance of the selective attentional process. An interrelation has been found between Event-Related Slow Potential ERSP and midinterval heart rate acceleration associated with displeasure and arousal. A positive correlation has been found between the amplitude of the ERSP and ventricular arrhythmia rate in cardiac patients. Lowering of arrhythmia rate in response to antiarhythmic agents was associated with a significant attenuation of the ERSP. Either acceleration or deceleration is associated with the appearance of the late CNV to the aversive noise burst. There might be a “common generator behind both anticipatory heart rate responses and cortical events.” CNV might be related to frontally mediated stress mechanisms.     

Emotions and cardiac contractility as reflected in ballistocardiographic recordings

Thirty-four patients with documented ischemic heart disease were followed with nine or more ballistocardiograms recorded at different occasions during a period exceeding two years. In a doubleblind procedure the reactions to life situations were explored in relation to the average rate of maximal cardiac force development as reflected from the slope of the IJ segment of the ballistocardiogram. A similar procedure was used in the analysis of emotional reactions in relation to IJ slope during stress interviews of six other patients with ischemic heart disease. Passive behavior and feelings of being defeated corresponded to low rate of cardiac force development, whereas happiness or aggressive responses to frustrations corresponded to a high rate of cardiac force development.     

Creative Artistic Achievement Is Related to Lower Levels of Alexithymia

Alexithymia is characterized by deficits in the ability to identify, differentiate, and describe emotions—abilities that are of importance for social interactions, well-being, and, consequently, also for health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether achievements in cultural activities are associated with alexithymia. Participants from the Swedish Twin Registry were 2,279 men and 3,152 women in the ages 27 to 54. Cultural achievement was measured with the Creative Achievement Questionnaire (CAQ) in which participants estimate their achievement in the domains writing, music, visual arts, theater, and dance on a 7-point scale. Alexithymia was measured with the Toronto Alexithymia Score (TAS 20). In sex separated, age, and education-adjusted multivariate analyses, nonpractitioners, amateurs, and professionals in the 5 different CAQ domains were compared with regard to alexithymia scores. For both men and women, achievement in writing and music contributed statistically and independently of one another to a low alexithymia score. In addition, achievement in visual arts contributed independently to low alexithymia score in men and achievement in theatre to low alexithymia score in women. Total creative achievement was calculated as a sum score across domains, and the distribution divided into tertile groups. These groups were compared with regard to alexithymia scores. Large tertile differences were found in both sexes. The results show differences between modalities and cumulative effects of multiple creative achievements.