Stress Flashcards
Explain how to reliably stress out a human subject?
Trier Social Stress Test
Interview/presentation
Mental arithmetic test
Interview panel
Take power away from subjects
Add uncontrollable variables and social evaluation elements
What is the HPA Axis?
How the body reacts to stress
Parts of the HPA Axis?
Hypothalamus
Anterior Pituitary
Adrenal Gland
Between the Hypothalamus and Anterior Pituitary (CRF) corticotropic corticotropic-releasing hormone
Between the Anterior Pituitary and Adrenal Gland (ACTH), the adreno-cortico-tropic hormone
How is Cortisol involved with the HPA Axis
Cortisol is involved in the negative feedback loop back to the Anterior Pituitary and Hypothalamus
Lessened by cronic stress
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone that primarily controls energy availability.
It gets released in response to
many things, including stress
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid produced in the HPA Axis
(Glucose-regulating steroid produced in the adrenal cortex)
What are Cortisol’s major functions?
.Synthesize glucose for energy
.Inhibit inflammatory response
What are Cortisol’s minor functions?
.Inhibit ossification (bone growth)
.Regulate electrolyte balance
.Stimulate stomach acid
.Decrease insulin sensitivity
Provide at least two pieces of evidence that debunk the claim that cortisol is the stress hormone
Cortisol is also involved with the previously mentioned functions
Cortisol also changes when you: wake up in the morning, get older, exercise, or get pregnant
Cortisol is also in a lot of commonly used products and it does not affect the mood of its users
What IS the stress hormone?
Adrenaline
How is Adrenaline released?
Hypothalamus
Spinal cord
Adrenal medulla (releases epinephrine and norepinephrine)
Examples of acute stress
Short Term
Upcoming exam
An argument
Being late for work
Examples of chronic stress
Repeated Occurrence
Poverty
General oppression and stratification
Unhealthy relationship or household
What are 2 major effects of chronic stress on the brain?
Can shrink hippocampus (Found in rats)
Increased cell death
Impaired memory function
What are 2 major effects of chronic stress on the body?
Vascular damadge (fatigue)
Suppression of growth factors
Digestive issues
What is Biofeedback?
A way in which the body responds to/decreases stress through mindfulness and body control.
Measured through:
Heart rate variability
Respiratory rate
Heart rate
Galvanic skin response
Multi-modal feedback
