Early abuse and pleasure hormones in response to stress

[no_escape]

http://www.news.wisc.edu/21970

During the sort of tense situation that makes palms sweat and voices quaver, children and young adults are typically awash in cortisol, a stress hormone that sounds an alarm and prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses to danger.

In young girls who have been abused, however, the reaction may be very much the opposite. A stressful situation is more likely to trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone sometimes called the \"cuddle chemical.\"

Pretty interesting... May shed light on the tendency of abused kids to engage in risky behavior, self harm, and seeking abusive relationships.