Stress and Fatigue - Undestanding stress Flashcards
Q: What is the definition of stress?
A: Stress is a non-specific response of the body to any disturbance or demand, triggering the ‘stress response.’
Q: Can stressors be both positive and negative? Give examples.
A: Yes. Positive stressors include a new job or relationship, while negative stressors include fear or injury.
Q: What is ‘distress’?
A: Distress is extreme or chronic stress that overwhelms the body and can harm any system, significantly impacting health and wellbeing.
Q: What are the four main categories of stress causes?
A:
Poor nutrition.
Personal stress.
Poor body functions.
Environmental stressors.
Q: How can poor nutrition contribute to stress?
A: Nutritional deficiencies from highly processed diets or high alcohol intake can contribute to stress.
Q: Name two examples of environmental stressors.
A: Radiation (e.g., mobile phones, x-rays) and pesticides or industrial chemicals.
Q: Who coined the term “General Adaptation Syndrome,” and what does it describe?
A: Hans Selye, an endocrinologist. It describes the three stages of a stress response regulated by the adrenal glands.
Q: What are the three stages of General Adaptation Syndrome?
A:
Alarm Phase.
Resistance Phase.
Exhaustion Phase.
Q: What is the Alarm Phase commonly referred to as?
A: The ‘fight or flight’ response.
Q: What happens during the Alarm Phase?
A: The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to adrenaline and cortisol release for mobilising physical resources.
Q: How does cortisol help during the Alarm Phase?
A: Cortisol increases glucose, raises the pain threshold, and inhibits immune responses.
Q: What happens during the Resistance Phase?
A: Once the stressor is gone, the alarm phase subsides, and the individual returns to equilibrium.
Q: How often do the Alarm and Resistance Phases occur in life?
A: Repeatedly, as part of the natural evolution of human beings.
Q: When does the Exhaustion Phase occur?
A: If stress is prolonged or severe and equilibrium is not restored.
Q: What are the health effects of prolonged stress?
A: Chronic release of stress hormones, especially cortisol, can decrease over time, leading to illness.
