Sensitisation refers to the process by which an organism becomes increasingly responsive to a stimulus, often due to repeated exposure. This heightened sensitivity can manifest in various ways, including physiological changes, behavioural adaptations, and amplified emotional responses. It is distinct from habituation, where repeated exposure leads to a decrease in response. sensitisation plays a crucial role in learning, memory, and the development of various psychological conditions, such as anxiety disorders and drug addiction. Understanding sensitisation is key to developing effective treatments for conditions where excessive responsiveness is detrimental. The mechanisms underlying sensitisation involve changes at the cellular and molecular levels within the nervous system, leading to enhanced synaptic transmission and altered neural circuits. Furthermore, the context in which a stimulus is presented can significantly influence the degree of sensitisation, highlighting the importance of environmental factors.
Sensitisation meaning with examples
- Following her near-fatal car accident, Sarah developed a profound sensitisation to loud noises and sudden movements. Any unexpected sound, like a car backfiring or a door slamming, would trigger intense anxiety and a racing heart. This hyper-sensitivity, directly linked to the traumatic event, significantly impacted her daily life and social interactions, leaving her reluctant to leave the house without ear protection.
- Repeated exposure to amphetamines can lead to drug sensitisation, meaning that a smaller dose of the drug is required to produce the same or even a greater effect over time. This heightened response contributes to the development of drug addiction. The underlying neurobiological changes involve alterations in dopamine pathways, creating a vicious cycle of increasing dependence and risk of relapse. This process influences tolerance and addiction.
- In the field of allergy, sensitisation occurs when the immune system becomes increasingly reactive to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen or dust mites. This leads to allergic reactions upon subsequent exposures. This immunological sensitisation is a key feature of the allergic response. The body's immune response can then produce histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and allergy symptoms, like sneezing, itching, and skin rashes.
- Researchers studying fear conditioning observed that, with repeated pairings of a neutral stimulus (e.g., a tone) with an aversive stimulus (e.g., a shock), participants showed increasing fear responses, a clear demonstration of sensitisation. The neural circuits involved in threat processing become more reactive over time, contributing to intensified anxiety and fear associated with the specific cue. This type of sensitisation facilitates phobias.
- Parents can exhibit heightened sensitisation to the needs of their newborn babies. New parents often develop a greater sensitivity to their infant's cries, facial expressions, and body language. This allows the parent to respond more rapidly and appropriately to their child's needs, promoting bonding and secure attachment. This emotional reactivity and the responsiveness are vital for early care.
Sensitisation Synonyms
exaggerated reaction heightened responsiveness hyper-responsiveness priming sensitisationSensitisation Antonyms
adaptation blunting desensitisation habituation toleranceSensitisation Crossword Answers
11 Letters
SENSITISING SENSITIZING
13 Letters
SENSITIZATION