Lability of the nervous system and its impact on human behavior and health

For some, constant changes in emotional state are the norm. But from a scientific point of view, an unnatural change in physical and mental state means so-called lability. Under the influence of external or internal factors, the nervous system may react too aggressively to circumstances. In its advanced form, this is fraught with irritability and disruptions of the mental system.

In everyday life, such reactions are often classified as natural processes. But even attacks of aggression, for example, when touching hot objects or when pain occurs, are considered emotional lability. Lability is a negative quality of a person if it occurs too aggressively and uncontrollably.

What is lability

In the general sense of the word, lability is mobility, instability, variability, mobility. The term was introduced in 1886 by N. E. Vvedensky (Russian physiologist, student of Sechenov). It reflects many characteristics of the nervous system:

• speed of occurrence of the exciting impulse;
• the speed with which he reaches his goal;
• the rate of occurrence of the reverse reaction - the braking impulse;
• frequency of tissue irritation in response to a nerve impulse;
• the time it takes the tissue to recover after each cycle of excitation.

Many people differentiate this concept in different areas. For example, in psychology, mental lability is, first of all, instability of mood, emotional hyperexcitability, too sharp and sometimes inadequate reaction to what is happening. In physiology, this is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, when a call from the outside provokes a malfunction in the body.

In fact, many scientists say that the concept of lability should be considered equally in both psychology and physiology, since it reflects the borderline state between them. To clearly demonstrate this, let's give an example.

Situation. A person unexpectedly finds out that he was fired from a well-paid, beloved job to which he devoted many years of his life.

The reaction of a person whose nervous system is normal: he will get upset, try to find out the reasons, draw conclusions for the future and go look for a new job. Even if he was fired unfairly and resentment lurks in his soul, he will not sort things out and start scandals. Even if he is choleric, he can say something harsh, express his opinion, but nothing more. Explanation: the processes of excitation and inhibition are balanced.

Reaction of a person with increased lability: depending on the accentuation of the character, he will either begin to cry hysterically with wringing of his hands, or start a scandal. At the same time, such people will always experience symptoms of a disorder in the autonomic system: sweat on the forehead, pressure surge, tachycardia, hand tremors. It will be visible to the naked eye that he is not able to control himself. Despite the fact that the attack passes quickly, the consequence is often prolonged depression. Explanation: the excitation speed is too high, but the inhibition process cannot keep up with it.

The reaction of a person with low lability: he will take the documents and calmly leave without sorting things out. Moreover, this will not be an ostentatious demonstration; he really won’t care. Explanation: the speed of the exciting impulse is extremely low for there to be any response to the challenge from the outside.

In such borderline cases, they say that the second person has a labile nervous system (instantly reacting to everything with a low speed of inhibitory impulses), and the third has a rigid nervous system (not responding to stimuli or not resisting them).

Features of the disease

Lability in psychiatry is the rate of emergence and decay of the nervous process . Particularly often, disturbances in the activity of the nervous system are recorded in adolescence , at which time the whole organism undergoes restructuring. As a rule, relatives who notice an abnormal state of the child’s psyche seek help from specialists. If severe lability is suspected, only a doctor is able to give the child the correct diagnosis and determine treatment. In adolescence, such disorders are often mild. These mental features are not dangerous to life and health, but can bring a feeling of discomfort and inconvenience. An individual may develop difficulties in overcoming life's difficulties and experiencing emotional upheavals. Difficulties in adaptation and socialization are especially common in children with disorders of nervous activity . There is isolation, indecision, difficulties in public speaking, perception of criticism and evaluation. Under the influence of strong emotional experiences, a child may do strange things and not control his behavior.

Kinds

Depending on the speed of excitation processes:

• low lability - characteristic of a rigid nervous system, when the reaction to an external challenge is minimal;
• high lability is an immediate response to it, and the restraining factors (inhibition impulse, level of upbringing, character type) do not work.

Depending on the manifestations:

• impulsive - pronounced both at the psychological and physiological levels;
• moderate (borderline) - depending on the situation, it can manifest itself quite restrainedly.

By degree of neglect:

• mild - minor but noticeable deviations in behavior are observed;
• moderate severity - mental and vegetative manifestations are diagnosed;
• severe - development of various complications.

Depending on the scope of manifestation:

• emotional is mental lability, which is characterized primarily by instability of mood and too strong reactions to what is happening;
• vegetative is physiological lability, in which a malfunction in the functioning of various body systems comes to the fore.

These two types of deviations rarely exist in their pure form: most often their symptoms are intertwined and lead to a diagnosis that is registered in ICD-10. Organic emotionally labile asthenic disorder (abbreviated as simply labile disorder) is treated by psychiatrists, psychotherapists and neurologists.

Certain types of lability

Type 1. Intelligent

There is also intellectual lability, which is distinguished by the fact that it is a positive characteristic of the nervous system. Here, the high speed of excitation processes plays into a person’s hands: he instantly reacts to the task assigned to him, quickly and accurately solves it, and immediately switches to another task. Such multifunctionality, according to experts, in the modern world with its frantic rhythm is much more in demand and useful than IQ level.

Example. A person with high intellectual lability takes the subway in the morning. From the outside it may seem that he is not doing anything special. In fact he:

• monitors the movement of the electric train so as not to miss its stop, and evaluates the surroundings (when to stand up and give way);
• listening to music;
• plans his day in his thoughts: what he will do at work first, and what things can wait;
• scrolls through social media feeds to keep up with the latest events;
• communicates with several people at once in different messengers.

And all this at the same time!

On the subject: Tests to determine intellectual lability

Type 2. Social

An insufficiently described type, about which there is no established and unambiguous opinion in psychology. Some believe that this is a consequence of emotional instability, and therefore bears its imprints. That is, a socially labile person cannot build strong and long-term relationships (neither family nor friendly), since not everyone can tolerate his mood swings.

However, another group of psychologists believes that social lability should be viewed in a completely different way - positive. A person who has it can easily make acquaintances. And if on a personal level this is not a virtue, then in networking it is simply an invaluable quality.

How does this translate in life?

There are a number of warning signs by which one can recognize the occurrence and “genesis” of emotional lability:

1. The first symptom is the inability to cope with difficulties, even the most minor ones. A person falls into melancholy and depression earlier, without even trying to do anything about it.
2. Outbursts of affect - outbursts of hysteria, screaming, crying, laughter, anger, discontent.... and all this in an excessive and sudden manner.
3. In the intervals between outbursts the person is lethargic and apathetic.
4. The critical state appears in most cases after “emotional outbursts.”
5. “Closeness of heart” - a person reacts very sharply to any situation, especially one that for some reason is negative for him.
6. A harsh reaction to criticism, especially if it is negative. A person with pathology is not able to loyally, calmly and adequately perceive information about himself.
7. Assessment of behavior, assessment of actions, assessment of skills, assessment of life, both personal and social, becomes a reason for aggression or hysteria.
8. There is no constructive thinking, no logically constructed actions. All life consists of chaotic reactions to events: outbursts of affect, periods of melancholy and depression.
9. Disorders of internal organs may also occur.

Based on the above symptoms, you can imagine what a labile person looks like. A type with clear, fast and expressive facial expressions, constant movements in space and a quick reaction to any external signals (sudden sound, clap, beam of light).

Causes

Since lability is a borderline phenomenon that concerns both the psyche and physiology, the factors that provoke its appearance lie precisely in these planes.

Physiological (vegetative)

• Buerger's disease;
• hormonal dysfunction;
• deficiency of nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system;
• intoxication (medicine, narcotic, alcohol, toxic chemicals);
• unstable pressure, its constant jumps;
• complications during or after pregnancy and childbirth;
• suffered a stroke or heart attack;
• consequences of unsuccessful anesthesia;
• brain cancer, traumatic brain injury;
• thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism;
• severe neuroinfections: meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, polio, tetanus, HIV infection, cerebral malaria, etc.;
• epilepsy.

Vegetative lability often develops against the background of diseases such as:

• Crohn's disease;
• diabetes;
• kyphoscoliosis;
• lupus erythematosus;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• cancer in the last stages;
• ulcer.

Psychological

• Distress;
• spoiled;
• lack of education (from childhood a person is not taught to control himself, and over time his inhibitory synapses weaken to such an extent that later, even if he wants to stop expressing his emotions, he will not be able to do this);
• psychotrauma;
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
• excessive emotional stress.

Intellectual lability, according to experts, is determined to a large extent by heredity. Some even believe that for this reason it cannot be corrected, since it is laid down at the genetic level. However, training and the constant development of memory and attention lead to increased performance, which refutes this point of view.

Autonomic instability

There is another type of negative lability. This is a disturbed vegetative system. This includes the factor of control over body movements, stability of the musculoskeletal system and all key organs. If you feel dizzy, lose control of yourself, notice tremors in your limbs or numbness, then you are likely to develop autonomic lability. The disorder is also manifested by erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, tachycardia and impaired sleep stability.

With all these manifestations, you should also consult a specialist.

Symptoms

As already mentioned, if a person’s nervous system is labile, this will manifest itself at different levels. The clinical picture is usually visible to the naked eye. In response to an external challenge, the autonomic nervous system activates the body's systems as a defensive reaction. Since inhibitory impulses do not have time to stop the exciting wave, this is instantly indicated at the physiological level.

At the same time, approximately the same thing happens at the mental level. The central nervous system sends the brain a task to cope with the situation that has arisen. It responds with a powerful reaction that the inhibitory synapses do not have time to stop. The result is an emotional explosion.

Sometimes this occurs in a single complex, sometimes vegetative symptoms predominate over mental symptoms (or vice versa). The clinical picture may be as follows.

Psycho-emotional signs

A labile psyche can react to a stressful situation in the following way:

• hot temper, impulsiveness;
• loud, uncontrollable, hysterical laughter;
• hysterical fits;
• rash actions;
• irritability, anger, aggression;
• a sharp change in mood;
• speech dysfunction (stuttering, for example);
• tears, tearfulness, moodiness;
• spontaneous, unexpected reactions;
• excessive emotionality.

In the long term, frequent breakdowns lead to insomnia, neurotic phobias and panic attacks. At the time of a problematic situation, everything can end even worse: being unable to control their own emotions, a person becomes dangerous to others and to himself (suicide is possible).

Such conditions must be differentiated from mental disorders. The main difference is mood lability. That is, outside of such situations a person is completely adequate. And almost always - intertwined with a physiological symptom complex.

Physiological signs

If a person is labile, in response to a stressful situation, along with emotions, he will feel how his body includes defensive reactions that may be completely unnecessary:

• the pressure either jumps sharply or drops just as quickly;
• the ground disappears from under your feet due to dizziness and spots before your eyes;
• tremor or numbness of the limbs may begin;
• there is tachycardia to the point of ringing in the ears, it seems that the heart is about to jump out of the chest;
• lack of air is detected;
• sweating increases (perspiration appears on the forehead, armpits become wet, palms become wet);
• sensitivity increases: sounds hit the ears, light blinds the eyes, a barely noticeable touch causes pain;
• severe migraine develops;
• auditory hallucinations are heard.

Moreover, outside of such situations, a person is absolutely healthy. As soon as the autonomic nervous system is convinced that there is no danger, the excitatory synapses subside, and in literally 5 minutes the state returns to normal, as if nothing had happened. Too frequent such attacks can lead to decreased libido, irritable bowel syndrome, weakened immunity, cystalgia and other serious diseases.

Forms of pathology

Most often, people with the syndrome react sensitively to touching films and books, emotional conversations, small children and animals. They often cry, but they themselves cannot explain why. Yes, kittens and puppies are cute, but not to the point of tears.

Aggression and self-aggression also take place. In most cases, they flare up sharply and subside just as abruptly. This symptom is considered a defensive reaction when people try to hide their problems. An unobtrusive question about your well-being or mood can lead to inappropriate shouting and attempts to avoid answering.

Frequent mood swings are a clear symptom. A person can enthusiastically play a game for 20 minutes, and a minute later decide that it is all nonsense and a waste of time. He may study the cinema's repertoire with interest and plan to attend a show, and later give up and burst into tears.

The next symptom is expressed in passion for the task. For example, a constant search for a new hobby and a rapid loss of interest indicate emotional lability. Immersion in the study of the history of Ancient China, a quick change from this hobby to cross-stitching, and then to football - all these are symptoms of pathology. Let us highlight the main symptoms of emotional lability syndrome:

• frequent mood changes;
• immoderate passion;
• aggression;
• auto-aggression;
• increased tearfulness.

All these symptoms are characteristic of each individual at different periods of life. If you notice them, there is no need to immediately sound the alarm. It is worth thinking about help when they are expressed quite clearly and are repeated regularly.

Pathology in the form of emotional lability is of two types:

• border;
• impulsive.

The impulsive type is the opposite of the borderline type. People suffering from this type of pathology are characterized by a negative mood, anger, and addiction to bad habits.

Auto-aggression can result in suicidal tendencies, so it is important for such people to promptly contact specialists for help in solving problems

Any type of emotional lability is destructive to the nervous system and mental health, which affects all areas of an individual’s life.

Diagnostics

Often people with nervous system lability are referred by their loved ones either to a psychologist (psychotherapist) or simply to a doctor. This is not surprising, because emotional outbursts and the physiology that manifests itself in such situations can frighten anyone. Mental disorders or hidden illnesses are usually suspected.

At the appointment, it is not enough for a specialist to collect anamnesis through a conversation with the patient. He must study the disease chart to see that he does not have any chronic or hereditary abnormalities. After this, the person is observed for 2-3 months to find out how stable his explosive reactions are and how often they manifest themselves.

When it turns out that all this happens spontaneously and not systematically, a diagnosis is assumed (organic emotionally labile asthenic disorder). It is confirmed using diagnostic methods such as:

• analysis of cardiovascular reflexes;
• urine, blood, and hormone tests;
• testing;
• Doppler ultrasound;
• electrocardiography;
• electroencephalography.

Lability must be confirmed by various specialists, as it affects both the psyche and the functioning of the body. A single team (ideally) of a cardiologist, psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist and endocrinologist works on its diagnosis and correction.

Complications

Without treatment, emotionally labile patients experience constant mental stress and fatigue and provoke conflicts with others. This condition often leads to depression, suicidal thoughts and social isolation. Nervous exhaustion is manifested by chronic fatigue, development or exacerbation of somatic diseases. Decreased motivation and concentration prevents patients from independently seeking medical and psychological help. If complications develop, they need support and encouragement from loved ones.

Treatment

Eliminating the lability of the nervous system is an extremely difficult task, since it affects the processes of excitation and inhibition, which are difficult to correct.

The first goal of treatment is to eliminate possible causes. If it is an incurable chronic disease or a hereditary factor, medicine is powerless to do anything. Only psychologists and psychotherapists will help here. They cannot eliminate attacks, but they teach people how to deal with them on the spot. As soon as a person feels a crisis approaching, he will know what to do:

• drink a glass of cold water in small sips;
• take a deep breath and hold your breath;
• go out into the fresh air;
• wash;
• get away from people;
• urgently switch to another problem, etc.

Sometimes the cause can be eliminated (by treating the disease, avoiding emotional stress) - and then the lability gradually disappears.

Tranquilizers, antidepressants and other sedatives are prescribed as drug treatment.

Lability is a polysemantic and ambiguous concept in psychology and medicine. Experts have yet to figure out the mechanism of its development and the degree of danger to human health.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis depends on the course of the underlying disease, but the right approach to treatment can always improve the patient’s quality of life by compensating for the symptoms of emotional distress using relaxation and self-regulation skills. The most effective way of prevention is the rational organization of work and rest. Periods of intense mental work should be replaced with physical activity (preferably in the fresh air). If signs of fatigue appear, take a break and change your activity to another. The basics are good sleep and a healthy diet.

Treatment of psychological lability involves working with a psychotherapist

Provoking factors

The causes of the disorder in question are quite extensive and among the most active provoking factors it is worth highlighting the following:

• periodic stress or constant nervous tension;
• excess or lack of attention from others;
• childhood or current psychological trauma;
• hormonal imbalance, endocrine pathologies and other somatic ailments;
• avitaminosis.

As already mentioned, emotional lability can play the role of a symptom in the presence of cerebral atherosclerosis, tumor diseases, traumatic brain injuries, asthenia, organic brain pathologies or hypertension.