Stress

Question 1

Stress

Answer 1

Perceived inability to cope, activated by the amygdala

Question 2

Anxiety

Answer 2

Disproportionate fear about future threat

Question 3

Psychological effects of stress

Answer 3

Low performance, decreased concentration

Question 4

Emotional effects of stress

Answer 4

Anxiety, anger, depression, fatigue, mood swings

Question 5

Behavioural effects of stress

Answer 5

Substance abuse, overeating, aggression, restlessness, poor lifestyle

Question 6

Physical impacts of chronic stress

Answer 6

• Poor immune response, increased inflammation, allergic & autoimmune activity
• Neural atrophy
• Pre-disposal to conditions including CANCER, osteoperosis, CHD and metabolic syndromes
• Increased risk of cardiac events
• SHORTENED TELOMERES, increase rate of genetic aging
• DNA: increased mutation rate, DNA damage, decreased repair capacity, oxidative stress

Question 7

Fight/flight response

Answer 7

• Mediated by the autonomic/sympathetic nervous system
• Activated in the amygdala
• High BP (hypertension), vasoconstriction, increased resp. rate
• Appropriate: not prolonged, only when required
• Inappropriate: prolonged, activated unnecessarily (anxiety)

Question 8

Allostatic load

Answer 8

Cumulative burden of chronic stress on physical and mental health, causes:
- long term neural damage
- immune dysregulation
- CVD
- metabolic syndrome

Question 9

Benefits of stress management

Answer 9

Better PECKI:
- Positive coping skills
- Empathy
- Conflict resolution
- Knowledge about stress
- Immune function

Reduced NAP
- Negative coping skills
- Anxiety/depression
- Perception of isolation