Stress Flashcards
What is stress?
A biological, psychological and behavioural response experience when we have a threat we can’t deal with
How does stress affect feelings?
Anxiety, irritability, fear, moodiness
How does stress affect thoughts?
Repetitive thoughts Worry Impaired judgement Impulsivity Forgetfulness
How does stress affect behaviour?
Over/Under eating Social withdrawal Angry outbursts Smoking more Substance abuse
How does stress affect the body?
Headache
Muscle tension
Sleep problems
Fatigue
What is a stressor?
Anything that causes the release of stress hormones
Give examples of a stressor?
Fear of diagnosis
Financial worries
Pain
Lack of sleep
What does the amygdala identify?
Danger
What does the hypothalamus activate?
Stress response
What does the adrenal medulla produce?
Adrenaline
What does the adrenal cortex produce?
Cortisol
Which part of the autonomic nervous system is in control of the fight or flight response?
Sympathetic nervous system stimulate the adrenal medulla to secrete the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline
Explain what the amygdala is/does
Integrative centre in the brain for emotions, emotional behaviour and motivation.
When the amygdala responds to a threat it can overwhelm the rest of the brain called amygdala hijack. Which involved emotional distress, anger, impulse and fear
Explain a step by step of how we respond to a threat
1) . Perceived threat
2) . Impulse reaches amygdala via thalamus
3) . Amygdala triggers hypothalamus
4) . Hypothalamus activates sympathetic nervous system
5) . Person reacts inappropriately
Explain stress and HPA axis step by step
1) .Hypothalamus is stimulated by stressors
2) . The hypothalamus releases CRF
3) . The CRF stimulates the pituitary gland releasing ACTH
4) . ACTH is released into the blood and reaches the adrenal gland
5) . It stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol
6) . When cortisol levels in the blood increases the hypothalamus will respond by decreasing the CRH levels
