There are studies showing differences in our immediate physiological response (e.g., having higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol) to stressful situations in the laboratory context. It is important to remember that genetic effects on many characteristics, including stress response, tend to be quite small; the effect is much smaller when we are just looking at 1 gene. Many other factors - genetic or otherwise - may alter our stress response and/or the effect of COMT on our stress response.

It's a great point to think about how we approach stress based on who and how we are. It is effective to understand our strengths and weaknesses, what has worked well for us and what hasn't. Dealing with stress is certainly a lifelong learning process.

Thanks for hosting Dr. Lee. Can ADHD be triggered by childhood stress? And how does it relate to adult comorbid depression/anhedonia/addictions?

Yes, most certainly, but this also depends on the type of stress response. For example, our behaviors to stressful situations (e.g., over-eating when feeling stressed) is something that can be modified over time. Other responses (e.g., a startle response when hearing an unexpected, loud sound) are more ingrained and automatic. Does that help?

Have a family member who developed bad anxiety during Covid divorced 65 year old man. He used to be life of the party and now he is a shell. What the heck can we do? Is CBT the way to go?

Hi Dr. Lee! Hope all is well!

I'm curious to learn more about how optimism affects an individual’s physical and mental health. Can you go into more detail on this? Looking forward to reading your insights. :)

Thank you for your question! One way we can evaluate a stress response is to consider whether it is helpful in dealing with the stressor on hand and what other costs or consequences it may bring about. For example, if I deal with an upcoming deadline by working overtime several days straight, that may help me meet the deadline (i.e., resolving the stressor); however, I may get sick from not eating and sleeping well, or miss out on family or social obligations (i.e., other costs and consequences).

Another consideration is what's helpful in the short-term may not be so in the long-term. For example, some stressful situations (e.g., death of a loved one) can be emotionally overwhelming. Ignoring or setting aside these emotions at the moment may help us focus mentally to deal with the challenges on hand; however, denying or suppressing strong negative feelings is not good for us mentally nor physically in the long run.

It is generally helpful to weigh the situation from different perspectives and determine what's effective for you.

Does the idea of different stress response depending on expression of the COMT gene hold up? Does this mean that we need to approach stress in very different ways depending on the type of person we are?

Hi Dr.Lee -- Have you observed people who changed their stress response drastically over time? In you opinion, how could one go about it?

Thanks.

Hi Dr. Lee - thank you for doing this AMA! I was wondering, what are healthy versus unhealthy responses to stress?

Have you done any research on the effectiveness of cannabinoids to help or harm the gut? More specifically CBG and CBD?

Did you not look at the link I provided above?

Through testing, architecture, and audited manufacturing.

Auditable manufacturing processes at every level.

Altering chips requires massive changes in workflow and processes.

Certification of manufactures (Not having your hardware manufactured in suspect countries like china).

Hardware design that separates keys and security from general computing. Embedded hardware testing and verification.

Hardware can be architected to be self checking, such that changes or alterations do not produce the same timing and values as the proper hardware.

https://www.securityweek.com/closer-look-intels-hardware-enabled-threat-detection-push

I can't find any reference for detecting hardware modifications with x-rays.

Sugar or artificial sweetener?

If I'm not primarily concerned with putting on weight, should I drink a gun and tonic with sugar or a diet version? I do realise I should drink neither, I'm just curious about which is considered worse?

There's microplastic in everything we consume from fish to processed cheese. How will it effect us and the animals on this planet? Can we die from overconsumption of microplastics and is there anyway to avoid this?

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Why do you think anyone cares?

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His body, his choice. Why the aggression, my friend?

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Does it hurt of you start to get an erection?

Hey, fellow denverite!!! Also, hey fellow psychonaut!!!

Was this a mistake and you're posting until help arrives, or was this on purpose and you have the key for it?