Title : A hypothesis on the neurophysiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying fundamental psychophysiological needs
Abstract:
Background: Chronic stress is associated with prolonged activation of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis, autonomic dysregulation, reduced neuroplasticity, and alterations in neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine systems. Despite extensive research on individual mechanisms of stress adaptation, there is still no unified neurophysiological model explaining how the sequential fulfillment of fundamental psychophysiological needs may contribute to the restoration of brain function and psychological well-being.
Objective: To propose a conceptual neurophysiological and neuroendocrine model describing the sequential mechanisms underlying the restoration of central nervous system function through the fulfillment of fundamental psychophysiological needs.
Methods: A theoretical integrative model was developed based on an analysis of contemporary evidence in neurophysiology, neuroendocrinology, psychophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, and stress adaptation research. The model integrates current knowledge on HPA axis regulation, autonomic nervous system function, neuroplasticity, circadian rhythms, neurotransmitter systems, and functional brain networks into a unified sequential framework of psychophysiological homeostasis restoration.
Results: According to the proposed model, chronic stress is characterized by sustained activation of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis, increased secretion of cortisol and catecholamines, reduced activity of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, decreased production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), impaired DHEA/cortisol balance, and disruption of circadian regulation. The model suggests that psychophysiological recovery occurs through seven sequential stages.
(1) Establishment of internal safety is achieved through psychophysiological training and is accompanied by reduced HPA axis activity, decreased secretion of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH), Adreno CorticoTropic Hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and catecholamines, together with enhanced parasympathetic regulation.
(2) Restoration of neuroplasticity continues during the same psychophysiological training and is characterized by increased BDNF expression, normalization of hippocampal and prefrontal cortex function, restoration of the DHEA/cortisol balance, and stabilization of circadian rhythms, thereby creating favorable conditions for the formation of stable adaptive neural connections.
(3) Formation of stable neuroendocrine homeostasis also continues during the same psychophysiological training, during which a sustained balance of the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and oxytocinergic systems is established while reduced HPA axis activity is maintained, resulting in the development of a new stable neuroendocrine homeostatic state.
(4) Formation of personal identity is implemented using separate psychotherapeutic techniques after stable neuroendocrine regulation has been achieved and is associated with stabilization of dopaminergic and serotonergic activity involved in motivation, self-confidence, emotional resilience, and awareness of personal resources.
(5) Formation of life goals supports the activity of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, reduces subjective uncertainty, and decreases the likelihood of stress reactivation, thereby promoting maintenance of the adaptive state.
(6) Formation of sustained motivation for action is accompanied by activation of the intrinsic reward system, additional dopamine release, and reinforcement of adaptive neural pathways through the achievement of intermediate goals.
(7) Consolidation of adaptive behavior is characterized by stabilization of neuroendocrine balance, maintenance of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and oxytocinergic activity under conditions of reduced HPA axis activation, thereby supporting long-term psychological resilience, social adaptation, and preservation of the newly established functional brain state.
It should be noted that the first three stages are implemented through a single psychophysiological training process aimed at establishing internal safety, restoring neuroplasticity, and consolidating neuroendocrine homeostasis. Once this state has been achieved, the subsequent stages are carried out using separate psychological and behavioral interventions designed to develop personal identity, life goals, sustained motivation, and adaptive behavior. The proposed stages constitute a unified sequential process in which each subsequent stage reinforces the previous one.
Conclusions: The proposed model conceptualizes the fulfillment of fundamental psychophysiological needs as a sequential cascade of interconnected neurophysiological and neuroendocrine processes, including normalization of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity, restoration of neuroplasticity, optimization of neurotransmitter regulation, and stabilization of circadian rhythms. It is proposed that the sequential implementation of these stages promotes the establishment of stable neuroendocrine homeostasis, which is subsequently maintained through the development of personal identity, life goals, sustained motivation, and adaptive behavior that collectively support the ongoing fulfillment of fundamental psychophysiological needs.
