The Autonomic Nervous System and Functional Somatic Symptoms

Abstract

In this chapter we continue our exploration of the neurobiology of functional somatic symptoms by considering the autonomic nervous system. In response to stress, the autonomic system activates into defensive mode to prepare the body for protective action. And when protective action is no longer necessary, the system typically deactivates. But if the child has faced stress that is chronic, uncontrollable, unpredictable, cumulative, recurrent, or overwhelming, the autonomic system may remain activated and represent an ongoing burden on the body. In this chapter we discuss functional somatic symptoms that are the direct expression of the activation or dysregulation of the autonomic system.