Neuroendocrine dysrhythmias

Abstract

Neuroendocrine rhythms play a major role in the regulation of physiological function. Stress can disrupt these rhythms and produce neuroendocrine dysrhythmias. A paradigm of classification of these dysrhythmias is presented and includes diurnal (phase and amplitude), autonomic (adrenergic or cholinergic excess or imbalance), and muscle tension (skeletal or smooth). By placing common psychosomatic conditions in this paradigm, one can model these conditions as exaggerations of normal responses producing disruption in normal neuroendocrine rhythms. This can also lead to a focus of therapy on restoring neuroendocrine balance and rhythm.