What is Nervous System Dysregulation?

There are several stimuli in our environment. Our reactions to the environment are based on our interaction and communication with the stimuli in it. The nervous system, one of the most complex systems in the human body, is responsible for controlling these reactions based on sensations present in the surroundings. We as human beings can detect any change, or manipulation in our environment, be it a change and light, sound, temperature, et cetera. This is because of our nervous system, which helps us detect and analyse stimuli for survival.

What is the Nervous System?

Our nervous system is made up of neurons, which are specialised cells responsible for carrying messages, back-and-forth throughout the body. Neurons are responsible for detecting any stimuli in the environment, moving it to the brain for further analysis and bringing back a reaction, as a form of control and coordination system. The nervous system is divided into two parts, the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves in the body.

• Central nervous system: also known as the central processing unit of our body as it includes our brain and the spinal cord. Our brain is in the centre of the nervous system and is responsible for all cognitive activities like thinking, memory, learning, et cetera. It is divided into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, and every part of the brain has its specific functions. The spinal cord is responsible for connecting our body to the brain and bringing commands from the brain to the rest of the body. The spinal cord is also responsible for involuntary reflex actions. “The central nervous system encompasses everything our brain handles—functions like decision-making, problem-solving, all those higher-order executive functions, you know, the core operations.”
• Peripheral nervous system: contains all the nerves in our body, which are connected to the spinal cord. These nerves are responsible for connecting different organs of the body to the brain. The peripheral nervous system is also divided into two parts; the somatic nervous system which controls voluntary moments and the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for actions that take place without conscious thought.The peripheral nervous system, includes aspects related to our reflexes, fight-and-flight responses—basically, everything under the autonomic nervous system.

Proper functioning of the nervous system is essential as it ensures balance throughout the body. Overactivation of the nervous system can lead to dysregulation and imbalance, which can ultimately harm the central organs like the brain and the spinal cord and their functions. Clinical Psychologist, Divakshi Sharma explains that When there’s dysregulation across these domains, our ability to function normally in daily life is compromised. We struggle to concentrate, attend to tasks, and go about our routines smoothly. The causes can stem from various factors in everyday life, regardless of gender, age, or occupation.

Dysregulation of the nervous system

Proper regulation of the nervous system is essential as it helps us better adapt to the environment around us. The regulated nervous system ensures that our body maintains a state of balance or homeostasis for survival, like reacting to stress, sleep, proper functioning of cognitive activities, et cetera. Dysregulated nervous systems involve our brain, spinal cord, and the nerves not performing efficiently. Our body may not be responding to stress as it should, sleep disturbances, improper appetite, burnout, et cetera are some of the outcomes of a dysregulated nervous system.

According to Clinical Psychologist, Hemangi Narvekar, “The term “nervous system dysregulation” can have a variety of implications for physical health. When it starts to impact mental health, it often begins with basic anxiety. Stress and basic anxiety can impact everything. When this dysregulation affects mental health, it takes a toll on various aspects of life, not just mentally but also physically. This can ultimately affect one’s overall quality of life, including work, family, and other activities. As these mechanisms fluctuate due to different situations and circumstances, it can lead to periods of heightened stress. This can be triggered by a single event or multiple factors, potentially causing a breakdown.”

A Dysregulated nervous system can manifest itself into:

• Anxiety disorders like generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, et cetera. Our bodies, flight and fight modes get activated too often, which can cause anxiety.
• Mood disorders like depression and symptoms of bipolar disorder are caused by to imbalance in energy levels, ability to keep attention, feelings of sadness, and hopelessness.
• Neurological disorders may be caused due to inappropriate motor functioning, the inability of our organs to function currently based on the command received by them through the brain, et cetera.

Signs, and symptoms of a Dysregulated Nervous system

• The person might feel overwhelmed and anxious, most of the time. They may find themselves worrying about multiple things, feeling that they are on the edge.
• Pain, flare-ups in the body, like around shoulders or neck Without a defined cause. The pain is the body’s signal of being in chronic stress.
• Sleep disturbances can cause a person difficulty in relaxing. An inefficient nervous system can cause a person to sleep less or more than the required amount which can disturb the energy levels in the body. The appetite of the individual may also be affected.
• Feelings of irritation, and anger frequently throughout the day. The person may feel snappy, frustrated, and overstimulated from everything going around in the environment. They may not be able to focus or sustain attention which can lead to frustration.

Factors that lead to Dysregulation of the nervous system

• Trauma or injury to the brain or to the spinal cord is one of the major causes of imbalance and inefficiency in the nervous system. It may be caused by any accident, abuse, et cetera
• Using addicting substances, like alcohol or drugs can overstimulate the nervous system, which can even lead to a manic episode.
• Stress or chronic stress is one of the major factors contributing to dysfunction of the nervous system. The body’s constant state of arousal can cause hypervigilance. With chronic stress, the body adjusts, and cannot differentiate between a harmful environment and a normal environment.
• In some cases, genetics is also responsible for the improper working of the nervous system. Some people are more prone to stress and anxiety, and they may be predisposed to certain disorders, which can cause imbalance, As per Divakshi.
• Childhood experiences of a person are also found a contributing factor, like childhood, neglect, abuse, Bullying, et cetera, which can impact the proper functioning of an individual.

Also, lifestyle plays a significant role, which can be further subdivided into chronic stress and substance abuse. Our modern lifestyle, filled with hustle and bustle, piles on stress that directly impacts our nervous system. Additionally, substance abuse, whether it’s through smoking or other habits, exacerbates these issues, Emphasizes Divakshi

Understanding the workings of our nervous system and signs and symptoms that are organs may not be functioning efficiently is very essential. The first step is recognition of the changes that one’s body may be going through be as changes in sleep pattern, appetite, frequent agitation, Pain in the body et cetera. Intervention for such At an early stage can prevent damage to the functioning of the nervous system. Stress management techniques do help, like yoga, meditation, et cetera, but along with that proper guidance from a professional and maybe medications in severe cases can ensure an optimal level of functioning. Divakshi says, “When discussing the aetiology, it’s crucial to address treatment strategies. How do we tackle this issue? It’s a topic that often gets overlooked but is incredibly important. Exercise stands out as a cornerstone in managing nervous system dysregulation. Its significance cannot be overstated. Whether you’re young or middle-aged, integrating exercise into your routine holds immense value in the vitality of therapy. We cannot miss out how vital is therapy in this case and before it gets any detrimental. Psychotherapy stands to be the pivotal with supportive and symptomatic care.”