Stress and Mental Health Flashcards
What is Medical Student Syndrome?
Tendency for students to perceive themselves to be experiencing or have symptoms of an illness that they are studying.
Review types of stressors…
in notes.
Review key factors of stressors…
in notes.
What is allostatic load?
The more stress someone experiences throughout their life, there is an additive impact on their body. (more stressful experiences=more load on someone)
Review fight or flight section…
in notes.
What 2 systems are activated by the release of neurotransmitters from the hypothalamus during fight or flight?
1) sympathetic nervous system (gas pedal)/parasympathetic nervous system (brakes)
2) Endocrine system
Explain the HPA axis:
- negative feedback loop.
- when the hypothalamus detects high levels of stress hormones, the hypothalamus reduces the release of those hormones.
What is Psychoneruoimmunology?
The study of the relationship between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system.
What is the immune system?
A complex response system that protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign bodies.
What are Lymphocytes?
White blood cells that produce antibodies that fight infection.
True/False: PTSD is more common in Women than in Men?
True
What defines a traumatic event?
Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
Review PTSD section…
in notes.
What are the 4 sub categories of criteria for PTSD?
- intrusions
- avoidance
- negative changes in thought or mood
- arousal and reactivity
What is the difference between PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder?
The duration. PTSD requires signs and symptoms to last longer than a month, whereas Acute Stress Disorder requires signs and symptoms to last 3 days to a month.
