So now or days, we've all probably read some wacky science thing in a journal or for a specific class well here's just another example. There's this certain part of our brain that is called the amygdala and it is the control center for fight or flight reactions. Well studies have shown that the activation of the amygdala-accumbens, the locus ceruleus and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis can actually lead to health conditions that lead to an earlier death.
When the HPA is activated too often it causes a chronic increase in cortisol which results in viceral obesity, adult-onset diatbetes, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Also, clinical depression can result.
Guess what type of people have this over arousal of the amygdala and these other fight or flight areas. Well, poor people mainly because the shame they feel and the lack of control they have in society. Also, interestingly enough, shy people show a greater arousal in the amygdala. Though research has shown that there is a lower life expectancy with lower class rank, little has been done concerning shy people. It looks like a person considered "shy" might just actually have a lower life expectancy than someone considered social. Hmm. interesting.
Looks like I'm going to die early.
But you are right, it is very interesting, can you point me in the direction of these studies?
yeah I'm pretty introverted myself so I'm with you. Plus unfortunately, my finances are well... Anyway, the study that focuses on the amygdala and socioeconomic status is called "socioeconomic status and health: a neurobiological perspective" by Jean-pierre Roy. The one about the shy children and the amygdala is in my HD book which is not in my possession right now. When I find it, I'll post it ASAP
Thanks!