Abstract
AbstractSearch activity concept provides a new classification of the behavior which distinguishes search activity (activity in the uncertain situation with the constant feedback between behavior and its outcome), stereotyped behavior with a definite probability forecast, panic (activity without feedback between activity and its outcome) and renunciation of search. Only search activity which includes fight, flight, orienting behavior and creativity raises the body’s resistance to stress, to natural and experimentally induced pathology whereas renunciation of search which display itself in freezing, helplessness and depression forms a nonspecific predisposition to somatic disturbances (e.g. psychosomatic diseases). Dreams in REM sleep are regarded as a specific form of search activity aimed at compensating for the lack of search in waking. REM sleep deprivation on a small as well as on rotating platform raises the requirement in REM sleep by frustrating search activity. It is suggested that in wakefulness characterized by the prominent search activity the inhibitory alpha-2- adrenoreceptors became less sensitive to stimulation and consequently in this state the activity of the brain monoamine neurons is less limited by the level of brain monoamines. During renunciation of search brain monoamine synthesis is not stimulated by monoamine exhaustion. In REM sleep the critical level of brain monoamines for search activity to start is lower than in wakefulness and alpha-2-adrenoreceptors are less sensitive than in the state of renunciation of search although more sensitive than during search behavior in waking. REM sleep indirectly contributes to memory consolidation by carrying out its main function — restoration of search activity. A functionally sufficient REM sleep contains search activity in dreams (subject is active in his/her own dream scenario) while in functionally insufficient REM sleep dreams are characterized by subject’s passive position and feeling of helplessness. REM sleep insufficiency is an obligate condition for mental and somatic disorders to appear. The difference between normal (adaptive) and pathological (maladaptive) emotional tension is determined by the presence or absence of search activity in the structure of emotional tension. Repression of the unacceptable motive causing neurotic anxiety is a human variant of renunciation of search. Hypochondriac symptoms are in negative relationships with psychosomatic disorders and they, as well as positive symptoms in schizophrenia and anorectic behavior in anorexia nervosa, represent a pathological misdirected search activity.
Highlights
Stress theory of Selye (1974) integrated data of physiological and clinical investigations related to the level of subject's health in front of life challenges
In order to check the effect of the different emotional states and different types of behavior on the body resistance to somatic disorders, we have studied the dynamics of different forms of experimentally induced pathology
We have found that in healthy adult subjects search activity is significantly higher in men than in women; in men attitude toward search activity is almost twice higher than attitude toward stereotyped behavior, while in women they are almost equal
Summary
Stress theory of Selye (1974) integrated data of physiological and clinical investigations related to the level of subject's health in front of life challenges According to this theory, an intensive and/or long lasting stress (distress) is considered to be one of the main factors predisposing subject to mental and psychosomatic disorders. An intensive and/or long lasting stress (distress) is considered to be one of the main factors predisposing subject to mental and psychosomatic disorders This theory was confirmed in many investigations on animals and supported by numerous clinical cases. Real or perceived control prevents somatic disorders in stressful conditions while loss of control predisposes subject to these disorders It was shown in some investigations performed in animals (Seligman 1982) and in humans (Brosschot et al, 1992) that strong efforts, even being unsuccessful and being performed by subjects without any illusions according to their controllability might increase body resistance and immune activity. The manifestation of anaphylaclar injection of neuroleptics (aminazine, 2 milligrams toid edema was measured by the change in the shadow's per kilogram); "proclivity” to the use of alcohol
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