Module 7 - Responses to Stress and Psychological Needs of Patients with Medical Conditions

Question 1

what is the neurotransmitter and Immune Stress Response

Answer 1

Neurotransmitter: Serotonin synthesis more active
• May impair serotonin receptor sites and brain’s ability to use serotonin. Lower serotonin = decreased mood
Immune: Interaction between nervous system and immune system during alarm phase - Negatively affects body’s ability to produce protective factors

Question 2

give some examples of what acute stress can cause

Answer 2

o	Uneasiness and concern
o	Sadness
o	Loss of apetite
o	Suppression of the immune system
o	Increased metabolism and use of fats
o	Infertility
o	Increased energy mobilization and use
o	Increased cardiovascular tone
o	Increased cardiopulmonary tone

Question 3

give some examples of what chronic stress can cause

Answer 3

o	Anxiety and panic disorders
o	Depression
o	Anorexia or overeating
o	Lowered resistance to infections, leading to an increase in opportunistic viral and bacterial infections
o	Insulin-resistant diabetes
o	Hypertension
o	Amenorrhea or loss of sex drive
o	Impotence, anovulation
o	Increased fatigue and irritability
o	Decreased memory and learning
o	Increased risk for cardiac events
o	Increased risk for blood clots and stroke
o	Increased respiratory problems

Question 4

Describe Selye’s 3 stages of General adaptation syndrome (GAS)

Answer 4

1) Alarm or acute stress stage – the initial, brief, and adaptive response (fight or flight) to the stressor. (during this phase 3 principal stress mediators are involved: See p. 66)
2) Resistance or adaptation stage – during this time sustained and optimal resistance to stressor occurs
3) Exhaustion stage – when attempts to resist the stressor prove futile.
 At this point, resources are depleted, and the stress may become chronic, producing a wide array of psychological and physiological responses and even death

Question 5

The body cant differentiate between the energy generated by positive and negative stimuli. Lazarus described the psychological reactions as Distress and Eustress. Define both

Answer 5

Distress – negative, draining energy that results in anxiety, depression, confusion, helplessness, hopelessness, and fatigue
Eustress – positive, beneficial energy that motivates and results in feelings of happiness, hopefulness, and purposeful movement.