Infradian Rhythms Flashcards
Example of an infradian rhythm?
The menstrual cycle as it is governed by monthly changes in hormone levels which regulate ovulation
What does evidence suggest about the menstrual cycle?
It may be influenced by exogenous factors such as cycles of the women
What did Stern and McClintock 1998 demonstrate?
How menstrual cycle is in synchronise as a result of the influence of female pheromones
What did Stern and McClintock study involve?
- 20 woman with a history of irregular periods
- samples of pheromones from 9 of the women at different stages of cycle
What did Stern and McClintock use to take pheromones?
A cotton pad placed under their armpit for at least 8 hours
What did Stern and McClintock find?
68% of women experienced changes to their cycle which brought them closer to the cycle of the order doner
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal patter of concept and is described and diagnosed as a mental disorder in DSM/5
What particular type of rhythm is SAD?
Circannual rhythm as it is subject to a yearly cycle
How can SAD be classed as a circadian rhythm?
experience of SAD may be due to the disruption of the sleep wake cycle and this can be attributed to prolonged darkness in the winter
What have psychologists hypothesised about melatonin?
melatonin is implicated in the cause of SAD
What happens during night time?(hormonal)
The penal gland secretes melatonin until dawn
What is thought to have a knock on effect on the production of serotonin in the brain?
During the winter the lack of light in the morning means that secretion processes continue for longer
