Psychobiology of Disease

Question 1

What is the fight or flight response?

Answer 1

This is the physiological response to stress

Question 2

What are the three stages of Selye’s general adaptation syndrome?

Answer 2

Stage 1: Alarm Reaction– shift to sympathetic dominance –increased arousal
Stage 2: Resistance – endocrine system produces ACTH to maintain the increased arousal
Stage 3: Exhaustion– adrenals lose their ability to function normally

Question 3

Describe the psycho-psychological and behavioural pathways linking stress and disease.

Answer 3

Events cause stress
Stress leads to physiological changes and behavioural changes
These lead to disease

Question 4

What effect does stress have on the immune system?

Answer 4

Immunosuppression

Question 5

What is Type A behaviour?

Answer 5

Time urgency  
Free-floating hostility  
Hyper-aggressiveness 
Focus on accomplishment 
Competitive and goal-driven

Question 6

What is the link between Type A behaviour and cardiovascular disease?

Answer 6

Increased risk of coronary heart disease

NOTE: the Western Collaborative Group Study confirmed this

Question 7

State some examples of components of stress management.

Answer 7

Organisation  
Time management  
Recognising stress 
Appraisal review  
Relaxation techniques 
Social support  
Formal support