1st mini test ch 4 stress Flashcards
Eustress
positively motivates a person
Distress
stress that negatively affects a persons well being
Selye stress response theory
stressor: a challenging demand on the body that arouses a response from multiple organ system
- Stressors can be positive or negative experiences for the individual and has the potential to cause adverse health effects
3 Stages of General Adaptation Syndrome
- Alarm
- state of arousal
- sympathetic nervous system discharge norepinephrine
- Brain releases corticotrophin (CRH)–>pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–>adrenal gland (epinephrine, cortisol, aldosterone)
- Posterior pituitary–>ADH - Resistance Stage
- body attempts to stave off the effects of stress through continual hormone and catecholamine secretion
- time-limited stage
- when stress subsides, then the SNS and adrenal stimulation abate, and the PNS responses resume a state of relaxation - Exhaustion
-If the stress is prolonged, the high levels of hormone and catecholamine secretion cannot be sustained
-Stress overwhelms the body’s ability to defend itself
The body’s resources are depleted and signs of systemic dysfunction occur
-Individual commonly feel run-down, unable to cope, depressed, anxious, and can become physically ill
Exhaustion Stage and immunosuppression
- Long-term secretion of cortisol suppresses immunity, and WBC responses become sluggish and less efficient
- Chronic stress causes atrophy of the thymus gland and decline in T lymphocytes
- Immunosuppression predisposes the individual to infection and other diseases; therefore, illness is commonly experiences at times of prolonged or severe stress
Homeostasis and identify ways to measure whether or not it exists
a condition of equilibrium when various physiological parameters such as blood pressure, respirations, heart rate, oxygen tension, blood pH, blood glucose, body temperature, and white blood cell count are within normal, narrow ranges
Adaptive ability
- the way in which the individual manages the stress and reduces the effect of the stressor on his or her life
- depends on coping mechanisms and conditioning factors
Coping mechanisms
the emotional and behavioral responses used to manage threats to physiological and psychological homeostasis
Conditioning Factors
An individual’s reaction to a stressor is influenced by conditioning factors, such as age, gender, genetic predisposition, pre-existing health conditions, life experiences, developmental level, educational level, and social support
Allostasis
a dynamic state of balance that changes according to exposure to stressors
– has strict “set points;” i.e. permanent change in blood pressure instead of temporary
Allostatic load and how it can be accumulated
the wear and tear on body systems caused by stress reactions
Can accumulate because
- Repeated stressful experiences
- Inability of the individual to adapt to stress
- Prolonged reaction to a stressor
- Inadequate response to a stressor
Allostatic overload
- If allostatic load is reduced, the body may be able to re-establish homeostasis
- Elderly individuals have less resiliency against stress because the body requires more time for recovery from a stressful event
Effects of allostatic overload
- Overwhelming stress or allostatic overload occurs when the individual’s adaptive ability is exceeded
- Symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, headaches, lack of concentration ability, insomnia, changes in appetite, depression, and panic attacks are often the result of allostatic overload
List treatment options for stress
- Lifestyle changes: reduce caffeine intake, engage in yoga, increase exercise, ensure sufficient sleep, achieve proper nutrition
- Stress management programs
- Alternative medicine
- Pharmacology
