Butterflies in the stomach
Appearance
Look up have butterflies in one's stomach in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Butterflies in the stomach is the physical sensation in humans of a "fluttery" feeling in the stomach, caused by a reduction of blood flow to the organ. This is as a result of the release of adrenaline in the fight-or-flight response, which causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, consequently sending more blood to the muscles.[1]
It can be a symptom of social anxiety disorder. The symptom of this phenomenon is usually experienced prior to attempting to partake in something critical.[2]
See also
References
- ^ Bennett, Howard (May 10, 2010). "Why do you get butterflies in your stomach?". The Washington Post. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ Pharmacotherapy Handbook, 9th edition by J. Dipiro., CHAPTER 66: Anxiety Disorders, Page: 675