mental health Flashcards
Physical arousal –
body chemistry changes, muscle tension, increased BP, HR, peristaltic action
Psychological arousal –
brain prepares
to deal with the stress. Emotional response
Internal stressors-
pregnancy, menopause,
guilt/anxiety (emotions),
diseases
External stressors-
change in family role
(loss of job)- change in social role,
peer rejection, family death
Positive Stress
(Eustress)
Factors influencing
response to stress
1. Perception of the stressor
2. Number of stressors to be coped with at one time
3. Duration of exposure to stressor
General Adaptation Syndrome
The body responds to a stressor by releasing
certain hormones (adrenalin) and then changes
in the body occur, Esp. GI tract, cardiac muscle.
Over time this leads to ulcers, chest pain.
4. Past experiences with a comparable stressor
5. Support System
Sign & Symptoms
of Stress
Nausea
Diaphoresis-
Increased sweating
(excessive)
Headache
Indigestion
Increased irritability
Poor concentration
Anxiety
Hair loss (alopecia)
Bowel reactions (IBS)
Increased blood sugar
levels
Pupils dilate
Increased BP/HR/RR-
hyperventilation
Increased cardiac output
Fatigue, Insomnia
homeostasis with stress=
The relationship between stress and homeostasis is dynamic and involves the body’s attempt to restore equilibrium.
steps of homeostasis
Initiation of Stress Response:
When the body perceives a stressor, whether it’s a physical threat, psychological stress, or other challenges, it activates the stress response, commonly known as the “fight-or-flight” response.
Hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released to prepare the body for immediate action. This response is a deviation from the body’s baseline or homeostatic state.
Temporary Disruption of Homeostasis:
The stress response temporarily shifts the body away from its usual homeostatic state. Physiological changes occur to provide the energy and resources needed to confront or escape the stressor.
Adaptive Changes:
The stress response is adaptive and helps the body respond effectively to challenges. Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened alertness are examples of adaptive changes that enhance the body’s ability to cope with stressors.
Return to Homeostasis:
Ideally, once the stressor is removed or resolved, the body strives to return to its baseline state of homeostasis. The stress response should be a temporary deviation from normal physiological functioning.
chronic stress
Chronic Stress and Disrupted Homeostasis:
Problems arise when stressors are persistent, chronic, or overwhelming. Chronic stress can lead to a prolonged activation of the stress response, disrupting the body’s ability to return to homeostasis.
Continuous exposure to stress hormones, such as cortisol, can have negative effects on various physiological systems, including the immune system, cardiovascular system, and the central nervous system.
results of chronic stress
state the term
Allostatic Load:
The cumulative wear and tear on the body due to chronic stress is referred to as allostatic load. It reflects the long-term impact of stress on multiple physiological systems and is associated with various health problems.
Explain the three stages of adaptation
to stress: and their physiological responses
- The alarm reaction= stressor is perceived. The body
PREPARES for flight or fight (sympathetic nervous
system). Endocrine system –
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is released into bloodstream. - Stage of resistance- The body tries to
cope, protect itself, and maintain homeostasis.The physiological responses are still activated, but at a lower level than in the alarm stage. Cortisol levels remain elevated, helping to sustain the body’s readiness for a more extended period. - Stage of exhaustion- Adaptation and energy stores are depleted.The body’s ability to adapt decreases, and exhaustion sets in. This stage is associated with increased vulnerability to illness, mental fatigue, and a decline in overall physiological functioning.
ORRR
.
Recovery- Adaptation is successful. When
replenished body returns to homeostasis.
Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System:
heart/stress/metabolic/suppression
a. Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Dilation of the airways to enhance oxygen intake.
Redistribution of blood flow to vital organs and muscles.
b. Release of Stress Hormones:
Adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine are released from the adrenal glands, preparing the body for immediate action.
Cortisol is released, promoting the mobilization of glucose for energy and suppressing non-essential functions like the immune response.
c.Metabolic Changes: Mobilization of energy stores, such as glycogen, for quick energy.
Increased blood glucose levels to provide energy to cells.
d.Suppression of Non-Essential Functions:
Suppression of the immune and digestive systems to redirect resources toward dealing with the stressor.
Temporary inhibition of reproductive functions.
anxiety vs fear
Fear: Fear is a natural emotional response to an immediate threat, whether real or perceived. It is a reaction to a concrete and identifiable danger.
Source is identifiable
R/T present
Definite and clear
Result from physical or
Anxiety: Anxiety is a more generalized and often prolonged emotional state characterized by worry, apprehension, and a sense of unease. It is not necessarily linked to a specific and imminent threat.
Four levels of anxiety
- Mild Anxiety:
Characteristics:
(Prepared for test)
Slight restlessness or feeling on edge.
Increased alertness and motivation.
Mild physical symptoms.
Focused on environment
**No respiratory or circulatory changes
Function:
Mild anxiety can be adaptive, helping individuals focus and prepare for challenges.
It may enhance performance and problem-solving abilities.
- Moderate Anxiety:
Characteristics:
Butterflies in the stomach.
can solve issues but no optimal. more focused on problems
SLIGHTY Increased restlessness and a higher level of tension.
Difficulty concentrating and increased distractibility.
More noticeable physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, fidgeting, or tremors.
Function:
While moderate anxiety can still enhance performance in some situations, it may start to interfere with concentration and decision-making.
The individual may begin to feel a level of discomfort and unease.
3.Severe Anxiety:
Characteristics:
Significant restlessness and distress.
Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks.
Pronounced physical symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, hyperventilation, and gastrointestinal distress.
An increased emotional response, including fear and a sense of impending doom.
Tachycardia, hyperventilation
Headache, vertigo(dizziness),
nausea
Function:
Severe anxiety can impair cognitive functioning and lead to avoidance of the source of anxiety.
Daily functioning may be significantly disrupted, and the individual may seek relief from the overwhelming emotional and physical sensations.
- Panic Anxiety:
Characteristics:
Overwhelming distress and a feeling of losing control.
Extreme physical symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and trembling. Focus is lost/ may feel life isn’t real (disrealization n dispersonazaltion)
terror may make them stuck. Cant move.
somatic complinats.
Unpredictable responses
Complete inability to focus
No comprehension of what is going on
Hyperactivity.
Severe tachycardia and
hyperventilation (patient may think
they are having a heart attack) 14
Function:
Panic anxiety is disruptive and can be incapacitating.
Individuals experiencing panic anxiety may engage in avoidance behaviors to prevent the recurrence of such intense anxiety. Cant have teach (psychcocsis)
Implementation of anxiety for pts
Implementation/
Interventions
Identify that patient
is anxious
Assess the patients
level of anxiety and
recognize behavior
patterns that indicate
signs of mounting
anxiety.
Listen to the patient-
be there
Give patient time to
express feelings
and thoughts
Help patient make
correct appraisal of
the situation
Convey
understanding and
empathy
Involve family
members in
providing emotional
support
Relaxation
Ego Defense Mechanisms
Unconscious psychological adaptive
mechanisms that develop as the personality
attempts to defend itself.
The purpose of defense mechanisms is to
regulate emotional distress and thus give a
person protection from anxiety and stress
Used by all people
Necessary for adjustment
Primary reasons of Defense
Mechanisms
Facilitate the resolution of emotional conflict
Provide relief from stress
Cushion emotional pain
Avoid or alleviate anxiety
Principle role is to protect and maintain
the individuals self esteem and ego
integrity
Regression - (define + examples)
behaving in a manner typical of an earlier developmental period stage where one felt safer and more secure. It’s a way of coping with stress by temporarily reverting to behaviors and thought patterns characteristic of an earlier age.
-self centered and demanding
-decreased patience
-emotionally dependent
ex: cooks + eats a comfort food
divorced 60 year old dresses and acts like a teenager
Conversion /Somatization –
converting anxiety into physical
symptoms. There is preoccupation with
bodily functions such as bowel
movements, food, sleep.
Physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition or neurological disorder.
There is a lack of voluntary control over the symptoms. Symptoms are not consciously feigned, and there is no apparent external motivation
Examples: Conversion symptoms can include paralysis, tremors, blindness, difficulty speaking, or seizures. These symptoms often do not conform to typical neurological patterns.
Displacement-
taking out negative
feelings on those around you
anger vs hostliiy
Anger
Evidence of an
underlying anxiety, an
attempt on the patient’s part to
deal with the threat
Hostility=manifestation of angeract is unwaranted.
Always a destructive
intent
May be directed at
self or/and at others
When expressed in
the form of direct
acting out behavior, it
can generate
violence, crime and
senseless destruction.
