Selected Neurobiological Arousal Issues as Manifested in a Clinical Case Illustration

Abstract

Attachment patterns and defense mechanisms are profoundly affected by arousal systems within the brain and body to express in-born emotional circuits. Disordered personality functioning and the use and abuse of substances may augment or substitute for a compromised arousal system, leading to meeting criteria for psychiatric diagnoses. These arousal management and regulation issues are illustrated by a case history and session notes, including many of the neurobiological functions described in the introductory article of this journal issue.

KEYWORDS:

• arousal systems in the brain
• emotion circuits
• attachment patterns
• defense mechanisms
• disordered personality

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Arlene Montgomery

Arlene Montgomery is a clinical social worker with a private practice specializing in trauma issues and clinical supervision. She is an adjunct faculty member at The University of Texas School of Social Work and Smith College School for Social Work.