Stress Flashcards
What is physical stress
Physical, emotional and subjective experiences associated with damage of body tissue and bodily threat such as pain and inflammation
What is psychological stress
Emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances often evolving anticipation
What is good stress
Eustress
Positive stress which is beneficial and motivational; striving for a goal which is within reach
What is bad stress
Distress
Negative stress which is damaging and harmful
Occurring when a challenge or threat isn’t resolving
What are the 3 phases of stress response
Alarm
Adaption
Exhaustion
What is homeostasis
Maintain and internal environment necessary for cell function
What is allostasis
How complex systems adapt in changing environments by changing set-points
What is meant by allostatic load
Cumulative exposure to stressor which is unrelieved leads to systems wearing out
What is acute stress
Short-lived response to a novel situation experienced by the body of danger
This is healthy and adaptive and necessary for survival
Examples of acute stress
Noise
Brief illness
Short term danger eg-fire
What is chronic stress
Comes from repeated or continued exposure to threatening or dangerous Situations which cannot be controlled
Examples of what can cause chronic stress
Physical illness/disability
Poverty
Unemployment
Bullying, discrimination
Sexual/physical abuse
What are the 5 elements of the human stress response
Biochemical
Physiological
Behavioural
Cognitive
Emotional
How are stress responses mediated
They are mediated by autonomic nervous systems
The sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system
Hypothalamo-pituitary axis
Describe the sympathomedullary pathway
Hypothalamus activates the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla is controlled by the Autonomic nervous system releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream. With the detection of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the blood stream the body prepares for fight or flight and reinforces the sympathetic activation of increased heart rate and blood pressure
Describe the pituitary-adrenal system in response to stress
Higher brain centres in the hypothalamus are activated which triggers the release of corticotrophin. The pituitary gland will release adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The adrenal cortex releases corticosteroids. The release of these steroids cause changes within the body, the liver releases energy and the immune system becomes suppressed
What happens to the body in terms of inflammation and imminent response with acute stress
Immune suppression
What happens to the body in terms of inflammation and immune response with chronic stress
Partial immune suppression
Low-grade chronic inflammatory response which could effect gene expression
What are some examples of fast physiological stress responses
Rapid breathing to increase oxygen
Increased blood flow
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Muscles tense
Glucose is released, insulin falls
Sweating
Mouth becomes dry
Digestion stops
Red blood cells discharged from the spleen
What are examples of physical/somatic effects of chronic stress
Headache
Chest pain
Stomach ache
Musculoskeletal pain
Low energy
Loss of libido
Colds/infections
Cold hands and feet
Clenched jaw
What are examples of behavioural responses to stress
Easily startled
Change in appetite
Weight gain or loss
Procrastination
Increased use of drug, alcohol, smoking
Nail biting
Sleep disturbances
Withdrawal
What are examples of cognitive responses to stress
Constant worrying
Racing thoughts
Forgetfulness
Inability to focus
Poor judgment
Altered learning
Been pessimistic
What are examples of emotional responses towards stress
Depression/sadness
Tearful
Mood swings
Irritability
Aggression
Low self-esteem
Boredom
Overwhelmed
Avoidance
What illnesses could stress be linked with
Cardiovascular and GI illnesses
Any illnesses which have a strong Autonomic nervous system
What signs/symptoms could you experience with PTSD
Flashbacks and nightmares
Intrusive thoughts
Sweating
Nausea
Insomnia
Irritability
What can help with stress
Mindfulness
Mediation
Exercise
Sleep hygiene
Healthy diet
Aromatherapy
CBT
