Sensitization

Sensitization is a non-associative learning process in which repeated exposure to a stimulus leads to an increasingly strong response. It's a fundamental form of learning where an organism becomes more responsive to a broad range of stimuli due to prior exposure to an arousing or noxious stimulus. Unlike habituation, where responses decrease, Sensitization enhances responses. This process involves changes in the nervous system, leading to amplified perception and behavioral reactions. It's often characterized by heightened emotional reactivity, and increased vigilance or alertness. The effects can be short-lived or persist over extended periods, depending on the intensity and frequency of the sensitizing stimulus.

Sensitization meaning with examples

• After surviving a car accident, the driver developed Sensitization to loud noises, flinching and experiencing anxiety at the sound of a car horn or even a sudden clap. This heightened response was a direct result of the traumatic experience and the brain's learned association with danger.
• Individuals with PTSD frequently display Sensitization to triggers associated with their trauma. These triggers, like specific smells or locations, can evoke intense emotional and physiological responses, such as panic attacks, even if the original threat is no longer present.
• Repeated exposure to certain drugs, like stimulants, can lead to Sensitization, meaning the individual requires progressively smaller doses to achieve the same euphoric effects. This can contribute to substance dependence and addiction.
• A child who experiences a single instance of bullying can become sensitized to social cues related to aggression and rejection. This might lead to increased anxiety in social situations, and avoidance of their peers.
• In the realm of allergies, repeated exposure to an allergen, even in small doses, can cause an individual to undergo sensitization. This process leads to a stronger immune response to the allergen, which triggers the symptoms such as a rash or respiratory difficulties.