Along with adrenalin, norepinephrine and cortisol are also released to help the body function in reactive mode. Bursts of energy and more oxygen in the body allow for quick and efficient reactions. When a person is threatened, either from real or perceived threats, adrenaline causes dilation of the blood vessels and airways, a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.

Adrenaline surges are meant to upset the normal body balance, but also to be used up in the bloodstream quickly. Because the stress hormones are often underutilized and the stress can continue over a period of time, the child or adult remains on a state of high alert.

Therefore, higher than needed amounts of adrenaline can be stored in the body. Instead, most people regularly produce adrenaline in response to stress at home and work – situations that typically are not life-threatening. Today, people rarely experience the extreme physical threats that would have warranted a surge of adrenaline for early man. It is produced by the adrenal gland and sometimes given medically as an injection for cases of extreme allergic reaction. Meant to help us survive in a potential emergency, adrenaline (medically known as epinephrine) is a hormone released into the blood during a time of stress, anger or fear. However, for some children and adults, too much adrenaline is produced and stored in the body, potentially causing health problems, premature aging and the life-disrupting conditions of hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder. The “fight or flight” mechanism spurred by adrenaline and used by primitive man for survival is still part of modern life, helping people at sports, social situations or interviews. Motivational Interviewing Therapy ProgramĮven before man had a name for the bodily chemical known as adrenaline, we have trusted it to help us take action in stressful situations.

Signs of too much adrenaline