Psychophysiological refers to the interaction between psychological processes (thoughts, emotions, perception, stress) and physiological processes (brain activity, heart rate, hormones, immune function, muscle tension). “CONSULT WITH A MEDICAL DOCTOR”
It literally means:
“How the mind affects the body, and how the body affects the mind.”
Core Idea
Psychophysiology studies how mental states produce measurable bodily changes.
For example:
- Anxiety: increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension
- Chronic stress: elevated cortisol: immune suppression
- Trauma reminders: autonomic nervous system activation
- Calm breathing: vagal activation: lowered blood pressure
Field of Study
The scientific discipline is called psychophysiology, closely related to:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Health Psychology
- Neuropsychology
Researchers measure: “CONSULT WITH A NEUROLOGIST, MEDICAL DOCTOR”
- EEG (brain waves)
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Skin conductance (GSR)
- Blood pressure
- Cortisol levels
- EMG (muscle activity)
Psychophysiological Disorders
“CONSULT WITH A NEUROLOGIST, MEDICAL DOCTOR”
Sometimes psychological stress produces real physical symptoms without structural disease. These are called psychophysiological disorders, such as:
- Stress-induced hypertension
- Tension headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Some forms of chronic pain
The body is not “imagining” symptoms, the physiology is genuinely activated by psychological processes.
In Trauma & Dissociation
“CONSULT WITH A NEUROLOGIST, MEDICAL DOCTOR”
- Chronic hyperarousal
- Dissociative instability
- Somatic flashbacks
- Stress-induced autonomic oscillation
For example:
A trauma trigger activates the amygdala: sympathetic nervous system: cortisol release: muscle contraction: altered breathing: cognitive narrowing.
That entire cascade “could be” psychophysiological.
In Simple Terms
Psychological event: Nervous system response: Bodily change
Bodily state: Brain interpretation: Emotional experience
It could be bidirectional: functioning in two directions.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 