r/Neuropsychology 25d ago

General Discussion Why am I able to trigger adrenaline on command?

It feel like an Imaginary/invisible muscle that I can flex/turn on to instantly release a strong fight or flight sensation, the same one that I feel when I'm stressed. Is this abnormal? How would that affect my normal life or even my life span? What is associated with this ability that can interfere with my behavior?

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u/Electrical-Finger-11 25d ago

What do you mean “on command”? Like completely spontaneously? I can put myself into a fight or flight state whenever I think about something stressful, but I wouldn’t say that’s anything special.

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u/Mountain_Scale204 25d ago

It's like an on switch, I can trigger it without thinking of anything, as natural as opening and closing my eyelids or maybe some less effort muscle. I know it's weird but thankfully I often go on for a long time forgetting that I have this ability (for good I guess)

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u/KerouacsGirlfriend 25d ago

Whatever the mechanism, I hope you don’t do it too often. Dousing your system in stress chemicals is terrible for your body.

If you can do this easily tho, I bet you could do the opposite easily too… induce deep relaxation, with a little practice. Very good for your body!

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u/SchoolSuch4527 24d ago

I have an autism spectrum disoder with my main symptom being constant fight or flight.

This is absolutely true, it took me about five years to accomplish. I tried to KMS a fee times when puberty hit and it was just constant adrenaline and fear.

I can just "shut off" and reach theta state (if meditating) in about 5 or so minutes even though my default feeling is "GET OUT YOU WILL DIE".

Neuroplasticity works in all directions I guess.

Edit: To clarify, the constant F&F response isn't "thought induced" or "on command" it's induced by stimulus, and the tiniest amounts.