Cortisol And Scam Victims

Hormones & Neurotransmitters

Principal Category: Neurology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, PhD DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Abstract:

Cortisol, often termed the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a critical role in the body’s response to stress. It regulates various functions such as metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle.

During stress, cortisol increases blood glucose levels, suppresses non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction, and enhances brain function. Chronic stress can lead to prolonged high cortisol levels, resulting in immune suppression, weight gain, insulin resistance, hypertension, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.

For scam victims, persistent high cortisol levels can cause significant emotional, psychological, and physical health issues, including increased anxiety, depression, trust issues, immune dysfunction, and metabolic problems. Understanding cortisol’s impact can help victims of scams recognize stress effects and seek appropriate support and treatment to manage their symptoms and recover from trauma.

Understanding Cortisol: What It Is, What It Does, and Its Impact on Scam Victims

What is Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.

Often referred to as the “stress hormone,” cortisol plays a vital role in the body’s response to stress. It is involved in various functions, including regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol is essential for overall health, but when levels are too high for prolonged periods, it can lead to negative health effects.

What Cortisol Does

When you encounter a stressful situation, your body initiates a “fight or flight” response thanks to the Amygdala, during which cortisol is released into the bloodstream. This hormone helps your body cope with stress by:

• Increasing blood sugar levels to provide immediate energy.
• Enhancing the brain’s use of glucose, boosting alertness and focus.
• Suppressing non-essential functions, such as digestion, growth, and reproductive systems, to prioritize dealing with the stressor.

Cortisol Functions

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, primarily helping the body respond to stress. Here are some of its primary purposes:

Regulation of Metabolism

Cortisol helps control the way the body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It influences energy levels by regulating the conversion of these macronutrients into glucose, which is used for energy. This process ensures that the body has a steady supply of energy, especially during stressful situations.

Immune Response

Cortisol has significant anti-inflammatory effects. It helps modulate the immune response by reducing inflammation and dampening the activity of the immune system. This prevents the immune system from overreacting and potentially causing damage to the body’s own tissues.

Stress Response

Often termed the “stress hormone,” cortisol is released in higher levels during the body’s fight-or-flight response. When faced with a stressful situation, cortisol prepares the body to handle it by increasing glucose in the bloodstream, enhancing brain function, and increasing the availability of substances that repair tissues. See more below.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Cortisol helps maintain blood pressure by regulating the body’s salt and water balance. It affects the balance of sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining normal blood pressure levels.

Sleep-Wake Cycle Regulation

Cortisol follows a diurnal rhythm, meaning its levels fluctuate throughout the day. It typically peaks in the early morning and gradually decreases throughout the day, reaching its lowest levels at night. This pattern helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and maintain alertness during the day.

Anti-Stress and Recovery

After a stressful event, cortisol helps restore homeostasis in the body. It reduces the impact of stress by managing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and promoting the healing of tissues.

The Stress Response

The stress response, also known as the fight-or-flight response, is the body’s way of reacting to perceived threats. When a person encounters a stressful situation, the hypothalamus in the brain triggers the release of a cascade of hormones:

Activation of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis:

• • Hypothalamus: Detects stress and releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
  • Pituitary Gland: Responds to CRH by secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
  • Adrenal Glands: ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol.

Role of Cortisol in Stress Response

Energy Mobilization:

• • Increase in Blood Glucose: Cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis (production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) in the liver, ensuring that enough glucose is available for energy.
  • Protein and Fat Metabolism: It aids in breaking down proteins and fats to provide energy.

Suppression of Non-Essential Functions:

• • Immune System Suppression: Cortisol reduces inflammation and suppresses immune system activity to divert energy towards dealing with the stressor.
  • Inhibition of Digestion, Growth, and Reproduction: These processes are deemed non-essential during acute stress and are temporarily suppressed.

Enhancement of Brain Function:

• • Increased Alertness: Cortisol increases the availability of glucose to the brain, enhancing its function and promoting alertness.
  • Memory Formation: Short-term exposure to cortisol can improve memory formation related to the stressful event.

Cardiovascular Effects:

• • Increased Blood Pressure: Cortisol enhances the constriction of blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to critical organs.

Impact of Chronic Stress

While cortisol is beneficial for handling acute stress, chronic stress leading to prolonged cortisol exposure can have detrimental effects:

Immune System Suppression:

• • Increased Susceptibility to Infections: Chronic high levels of cortisol can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections.

Weight Gain and Metabolic Issues:

• • Abdominal Fat Accumulation: Prolonged high cortisol levels can lead to increased fat storage, especially in the abdominal area.
  • Insulin Resistance: Chronic cortisol exposure can contribute to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. See more below.

Cardiovascular Problems:

• • Hypertension: Persistent high blood pressure due to chronic cortisol can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

Mental Health Issues:

• • Anxiety and Depression: Prolonged exposure to cortisol is linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
  • Cognitive Decline: Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can impair cognitive functions and contribute to memory loss.

Interaction Between Cortisol and Dopamine

Stress Response Activation:

• When an individual experiences stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated, leading to increased cortisol production.
• Acute stress can also lead to an initial increase in dopamine, which might explain why some people feel more alert and motivated in short-term stressful situations.

Chronic Stress and Dopamine Depletion:

• Prolonged stress leads to sustained high levels of cortisol, which can eventually deplete dopamine levels.
• This depletion is associated with reduced motivation, pleasure, and increased feelings of depression and anxiety.

Effects on Weight Gain

Cortisol and Fat Storage:

• • Cortisol promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal region. This is because abdominal fat cells have more cortisol receptors and are more efficient at storing energy.
  • High cortisol levels can increase appetite and cravings for high-calorie, sugary foods, leading to overeating and weight gain.

Dopamine and Eating Behavior:

• • Reduced dopamine levels can lead to decreased motivation and pleasure, making individuals more likely to seek comfort in food to compensate for low mood.
  • Comfort eating often involves high-sugar and high-fat foods, which temporarily boost dopamine levels, creating a cycle of stress eating.

Insulin Resistance:

• • Chronic cortisol elevation can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, causing higher blood sugar levels and increased fat storage.
  • Insulin resistance is a risk factor for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Psychological Trauma and Weight Gain

Emotional Eating:

• • Trauma and chronic stress can lead to emotional eating as a coping mechanism, where individuals eat to soothe negative emotions.
  • Emotional eating often involves consuming large quantities of high-calorie foods, contributing to weight gain.

Metabolic Changes:

• • Chronic stress and trauma can disrupt normal metabolic processes, leading to increased fat storage and difficulty losing weight.
  • Stress-related hormones can alter the balance of hunger-regulating hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, leading to increased appetite and reduced satiety.

Effects on Scam Victims

Victims of scams and deception often experience high levels of stress and anxiety, leading to elevated cortisol levels. Here’s how this hormone affects them:

Immediate Stress Response: When someone realizes they are being scammed, their body responds with a surge of cortisol. This can lead to symptoms such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and a sense of panic. These reactions are part of the body’s natural defense mechanism, but they can be overwhelming and distressing.

Prolonged Stress and Health Impact: Continuous exposure to high stress, as experienced by scam victims who may face ongoing deception or harassment, keeps cortisol levels elevated. Chronic high cortisol can lead to various health issues, including:

• • Anxiety and Depression: Persistent stress can deplete the brain’s serotonin levels, leading to mood disorders.
  • Weight Gain: Cortisol increases appetite and cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods, which can result in weight gain.
  • Sleep Problems: Elevated cortisol disrupts the sleep-wake cycle, causing insomnia or poor-quality sleep.
  • Weakened Immune System: High cortisol suppresses the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Relation to Psychological Trauma

Psychological trauma, such as that experienced by scam victims, can have long-lasting effects on cortisol levels. The trauma can create a constant state of alertness and anxiety, where the body feels it is continuously under threat. This chronic stress response can have several impacts:

• Hypervigilance: Victims may become overly cautious and always on the lookout for potential threats, affecting their ability to relax and feel safe.
• Emotional Instability: Persistent high cortisol can lead to emotional numbness, irritability, and difficulty managing emotions.
• Difficulty Trusting Others: After being deceived, victims may struggle to trust people, fearing further betrayal and harm. This can affect personal relationships and social interactions.

Effects on Victims of Scams and Deception

For victims of scams and deception, the chronic stress they experience can result in prolonged cortisol release, leading to various negative health outcomes:

Emotional and Psychological Impact:

• • Increased Anxiety and Depression: The stress of being deceived can cause sustained high cortisol levels, contributing to anxiety and depression.
  • Trust Issues: Persistent stress can result in long-term trust issues and difficulties in forming new relationships.

Physical Health Consequences:

• • Immune Dysfunction: The stress and resulting high cortisol levels can weaken the immune system, making victims more susceptible to illnesses.
  • Weight and Metabolic Issues: Victims may experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, and metabolic issues such as insulin resistance.

Cognitive Effects:

• • Memory and Concentration Problems: Chronic stress can impair cognitive functions, affecting memory and concentration.

Summary

Cortisol is essential for maintaining various bodily functions, especially in response to stress. It ensures that the body can efficiently manage energy, maintain homeostasis, and recover from stressful events. However, when cortisol levels are chronically elevated due to prolonged stress, it can lead to negative health outcomes such as immune suppression, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Cortisol plays a crucial role in managing stress, but prolonged high levels due to scams and deception can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Understanding the role of cortisol can help victims recognize the impact of stress and seek appropriate support and treatment to manage their symptoms and recover from the psychological trauma of being scammed.

Sources

• Harvard Health Publishing – The effects of stress on your body
• Harvard Health Publishing – Stress and the Relaxation Response
• Mayo Clinic – Cortisol: What It Does & Its Effects
• Mayo Clinic – Chronic stress puts your health at risk
• National Institute of Mental Health – 5 Things You Should Know About Stress (nih.gov)
• Adrenal Hormones | Endocrine Society

Additional

• Scam Victim Stress – The Psychological, Cerebral, and Physiological Effects – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
• The Amygdala – An Introduction – Scam Victim Neurology – 2024 (scampsychology.org)
• Dopamine And Scam Victims – 2024 Post (scampsychology.org)
• Dopamine Signaling And The Neurology Of Scam Victims – 2024 (scampsychology.org)

Related Information

The manipulation tactics used by relationship scammers, crypto investment scammers, and sextortion scammers often leverage dopamine signaling in the brain to control their victims. Here’s a breakdown of how these tactics work, supported by recent studies:

Dopamine and Reward Mechanisms:

Scammers exploit the brain’s reward system by creating situations that trigger dopamine release, which reinforces certain behaviors. For example, in relationship scams, victims receive affectionate messages and attention, which activate dopamine pathways similar to those triggered by genuine romantic interactions. This reinforcement makes victims more susceptible to manipulation and less likely to notice red flags​ (JNeurosci)​​ (ScienceDaily)​.

Transition from Goal-Directed to Habitual Behavior:

The manipulation tactics used by scammers can shift victims’ behavior from goal-directed actions to habitual responses. This is particularly evident in investment scams, where initial small rewards (returns on investment) lead to a habit of trust and further investment. Dopamine plays a crucial role in this shift by reinforcing repeated behaviors, eventually making them less sensitive to negative outcomes or risk evaluations​ (JNeurosci)​.

Emotional Manipulation and Cognitive Biases:

Sextortion scammers often use fear and urgency to manipulate victims. This type of emotional manipulation can significantly affect dopamine signaling, creating a heightened state of arousal and stress. Studies have shown that high levels of dopamine during stressful situations can impair decision-making and increase susceptibility to cognitive biases, making victims more likely to comply with demands to avoid perceived threats​ (ScienceDaily)​.

Habit Formation and Long-Term Behavioral Changes:

Chronic manipulation and repeated engagement with scammers can lead to long-term changes in brain structure and function. Research indicates that sustained exposure to manipulative tactics can enhance the formation of habits, driven by dopamine signaling pathways. This can lead to persistent behaviors even in the face of negative consequences, as seen in victims who continue to send money or personal information despite evidence of the scam​ (JNeurosci)​.

These studies highlight the significant role of dopamine in the manipulation strategies employed by various types of scammers. Understanding these mechanisms can help in developing better preventive measures and support systems for victims of such scams.

SCARS Resources:

• For New Victims of Relationship Scams www.ScamVictimsSupport.org
• Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
• Sign up for SCARS professional Support & Recovery Groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
• Find competent Trauma Counselors or Therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
• Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
• Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
• Learn More about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
• Scammer Photos on ScammerPhotos.com
• SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
• Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
• Donate to SCARS and help us help others at donate.AgainstScams.org

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