Startle response is a symptom of several conditions. Startle is a reaction of the body to an event that is happening or a passive reaction to an event that has already happened in the past. Startle response is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and cannot be consciously controlled.
What is startle response?
Being actively startled by an event that is about to happen, is a normal and healthy reaction of the human body. Startle response is a fear response of the body to various events that have already happened or are about to happen. The startle lasts from a fraction of a second to a maximum of a second. The startle itself is over in a moment, but due to the immense release of adrenaline, the body remains agitated for several minutes after the event. The active startling of an event is a normal and healthy reaction of the human body. Startle is called pathological when there is no reason for it, or when events that occurred long ago keep flooding the autonomic nervous system after the fact and trigger a startle.
Causes
The startle response to an active event – for example, a loud bang suddenly sounds behind you – is a normal reaction of the body. This reaction is fixed in the genes. For prehistoric man, it was essential for survival to react immediately to danger. Jumpiness is, so to speak, a holdover from man’s early days. However, jumpiness can also have other causes. It is often a symptom of various disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, claustrophobia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. In most cases, the cause of jumpiness is psychological. Past traumatic events such as abuse, war experiences, natural disasters, technological disasters such as airplane crash (see also fear of flying), but also physical and psychological extreme stresses such as life-threatening illnesses, leave their mark on the human psyche. Another cause of jumpiness can be alcohol, medication and drug abuse.
Diseases with this symptom
- Schizophrenia
- Claustrophobia
- Trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- Acute stress reaction
- Anxiety disorder
- Drug Psychosis
- Fear of flying
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Diagnosis and course
Diagnosed is the jumpiness usually by the family doctor, although with the jumpiness can not be spoken as a disease, because it is a symptom of many other diseases. Because of this, a neurologist or psychologist should also be consulted to determine the reason for the jumpiness. This is done through a comprehensive anamnesis (taking the medical history) as well as in more detail in a talk therapy. The course of the startle depends on the degree to which it is present. Normal startle does not require treatment, since it is over in a fraction of a second and the subsequent physical reactions have subsided within a few minutes. The course of chronic startle, caused by various mental illnesses, can sometimes extend over years. Depending on the type and success of therapy, startle response can be overcome or at least positively influenced to the extent that it no longer adversely affects the life of the affected person. In some cases, startle disorder is not treatable, leaving sufferers with it for life.
Complications
Startle disorder is a purely psychological problem that does not result from physical limitations or problems. Those who suffer from startle disorder usually have a greatly reduced quality of life and cannot properly manage their daily lives. Affected people can no longer move freely and are afraid of many everyday and completely ordinary things. Social problems can arise due to the frightfulness, often social exclusion and other social problems occur. Going to work on a regular basis is no longer possible or leads to very severe restrictions.If the jumpiness affects life very strongly, a psychologist should be consulted in any case. Treatment takes place mainly through conversation and medication. Surgical treatment is not provided. In most cases, treatment leads to success relatively quickly. However, it cannot be universally predicted whether the startle can be completely suppressed or not. In some cases, startle response can lead to such severe psychological problems that the patient must be treated in a closed institution.
When should you see a doctor?
In the case of jumpiness, a doctor should be consulted when there are significant limitations in life due to the symptom. As a rule, every patient “suffers” from startle, but it can be strongly or weakly developed and protects the person from danger and risk. However, if an ordinary everyday life is no longer possible for the patient, a doctor should be consulted in any case. This includes symptoms such as headaches, fatigue or sleep disturbances and concentration problems. In the case of these symptoms, treatment of the startle disorder is necessary. Especially in children, the symptom should be treated by a doctor. Treatment is also necessary when startle response occurs after a traumatic event. In most cases, the affected person must first turn to the family doctor, who diagnoses the startle. After that, the treatment usually takes place with a psychologist or with a neurologist. Often a long period of time passes until the cause of the jumpiness is clarified and it can finally be treated. If the symptom is not severe, there are also several self-help options available to the patient.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of first choice is talk therapy. With its help, one initially explores why one developed startle response in the first place. Only when the cause of startle has been established can it be adequately treated. As a rule, talk therapy or psychotherapy is continued, and behavioral therapy can be carried out as a supportive measure. Here, the affected person learns to face his fears and to integrate them into everyday life. Furthermore, traumatic experiences from the past are worked through so that the affected person learns to live with these events. In the case of mildly pronounced jumpiness, learning relaxation techniques is also beneficial, as these also have a calming effect on the psyche. Medication can also be used as a supportive measure. Depending on the cause of the jumpiness, among other things, antidepressants, but also homeopathic medicines can be used.
Outlook and prognosis
Startle disorder can usually be treated relatively well. Even without treatment, startle response may go away on its own if it was only a short-term mental condition. It often occurs in children when they have heard scary things or topics. However, startle response can also be triggered in adults by a particular experience. Often, startle response passes with time and does not lead to further complications or symptoms. In some cases, startle response is a particularly high burden if it makes everyday life difficult. For example, ordinary things can no longer be carried out, and even going to the workplace can become a problem. In addition, social contacts are often avoided, which can lead to social exclusion. Treatment of startle disorder is usually carried out by a psychologist and can last for several months. What is most important here is what triggers the startle response. The treatment can be supported with calming medication and usually leads to success. Surgical intervention is not needed. In some cases, the startle may be so advanced that the patient can no longer cope with everyday life on his or her own. In this case, treatment in a locked facility is necessary.
Prevention
There are no preventive measures for startle disorder. Startle response is a healthy reaction of the human body and cannot be influenced by the will, that is, it cannot be consciously controlled.Preventive talk or psychotherapy can be done to reduce the recurrence of mental illness, the symptom of which is often startle.
Home remedies and herbs for jumpiness.
What you can do yourself
There are some measures and home remedies that help with jumpiness. Internal tension and nervousness can be relieved with valerian, lavender or sage, for example. For problems falling asleep as a result of jumpiness, lemon balm or chamomile tea helps. Depending on the cause, homeophatic medicines such as globules, ginseng root or medicinal herbs can be used as a support. In addition, it is important to determine the causes of the jumpiness and to treat them, for example, within the framework of talk therapy, by changing the environment or by dietary measures. In everyday life, sports, music and various relaxation measures such as progressive muscle relaxation help to reduce stress levels in the long term. A calming hobby such as gardening, puzzles or yoga provides a balance to professional and private stress. Meditation] also helps against jumpiness and can be combined with a yoga or Pilates class, as needed. Fast help also brings the renunciation of sugar, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. It is also possible that the jumpiness is due to fatigue, which can be alleviated by changing sleeping habits. A medical examination is required if the jumpiness is associated with health complaints or problems in everyday life.
