Most of these reactions are due to sympathetic stimulation. Some, such as the desire to use the bladder or bowels and the sweating are due to parasympathetic overstimulation.
All are normal reactions to real or implied danger. If we could not respond quickly, almost without thinking, we would not survive.
But this normal response to stress can become abnormal.
If we are tense and anxious, the autonomic nervous system may be overstimulated and produce many or all the symptoms associated with the normal response to a fright.
We can develop nervous palpitations or diarrhoea. We can even pour out so much acid from our stomachs, that it eats a hole into the wall of the stomach or duodenum and forms an ulcer.
Most people believe that “nerves” mean imagination, yet they know their symptoms are real. So they believe they have a real organic illness, such as heart disease or cancer.
This causes further worry and anxiety. This secondary anxiety further stimulates the autonomic nervous system and, in turn, results in more symptoms and so we have established a vicious circle.
This malfunction in the autonomic nervous system is called autonomic dyspraxia or dystonia.
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