Temperament a autonomní nervový systém – Irmiš Felix (2007)

This monograph examines temperament as a component of personality and its connection with the autonomic nervous system, which together influence individual psychosomatic responses to stress, medication and physiotherapy, as well as adaptation and biopsychosocial interactions. It discusses the autonomic nervous system’s effects on the cardiovascular system, skin and biochemical changes, and reactions to certain medicines, along with its relationship to mental disorders and physiological methods of influence such as biofeedback, acupuncture and balneotherapy. The book explains psychophysiological concepts including the orienting response, habituation and activation level, and describes psychophysiological and biosocial theories of temperament in relation to extraversion, neuroticism, anxiety, impulsivity, novelty and sensation seeking, basic nervous-system characteristics and type A behavior. It also addresses connections between the autonomic system, physical constitution and personality disorders. The experimental section compares autonomic nervous-system and electroencephalographic indicators in neurotic and control groups and examines individual reactivity after different forms of stress. The book is intended for doctors and psychologists specializing in psychosomatic and psychophysiological issues.