Stress And Disease Flashcards
How can stress be beneficial?
Primal life saver
Allow quick escape or strength
Body returns to normal as stressor is gone
What is prolonged stress response?
Continuous stress with no relief
- Long-term chronic stress
Common phenomenon in today’s high pressure society
How can stress affect the circulatory system?
Continuous stress hormones -> blood stream can increase blood pressure
Raised blood sugar levels
What possible diseases/disorders can result from circulatory stress?
Heart disease
Diabetes
Headaches
How can stress affect the reproductive system?
Stress hormones suppress the reproductive system
Reduces production of sexual hormones
What problems can occur with reproductive stress?
Infertility
Amenorrhea (no menstruation)
Sexual dysfunction
How can stress affect the gastrointestinal system?
Stress hormones can slow digestion and release of stomach acids
Conversely speed up in colon
Continuously elevated cortisol can lead to overeating and weight gain
What problems can occur with gastrointestinal stress?
Irritable bowel syndrome
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Peptic ulcers
Obesity
How can stress affect the immune system?
Increase vulnerability to infections and immune deficiency disorders
Inhibit production of white blood cells
Conversely hyperactive immune syst.
What problems can be occur from immune system stress?
Pneumonia
Flu
Cold
Sick more often
How can stress affect the mental health?
Flight or fight is not off
Constant state of alertness
Anxiety -> depression
What problems can occur from mental health stress?
Melancholy depression Anorexia nervosa OCD Alcoholism Insomnia
