Stress Response Flashcards
What is stress?
A condition in which a demand (stressor) exceeds a person’s coping abilities
What are the three different stress factors?
The person, the stressor and the environment.
Examples of situational stress factors
Poor social support
Exposure to safety hazards
Recent LIfe changes (death, family separation, retirement, etc.)
Examples of environmental stress factors
Physical work environment
Exposure to chemicals, dust, pathogens, rotating shift work
Examples of psychological stress factors
Type A agressive, hostile personality
lack of faith, spirituality
relationship or work conflict
history of abuse
Example of physical stress factors
Sleep disturbances
Chemical or biological trigger
Medical events, changes in personal health
No exercise/lack of exercise
What are some different factors that will influence how you react to stress?
Age, social support gender (woman more affected than men), early stressful life events, negative life events
What is the chain of activation of the stress response?
Stressor–>cerebral arousal–>Activation of limbic system–>activation of hypothalamus
What purpose does the hypothalamus “serve”?
It links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
What are the immediate effects of hypothalamus activation?
SNS stimulation–>release of catecholamines
–>stimulation of renal medulla–>release of epinephrine and norepinephrine
What are the Effects of Catacholamines, epinephrine/norepinephrine on the Brain
Increased blood flow, increased glucose metabolism.
What are the Effects of Catacholamines, epinephrine/norepinephrine on the CV system
Increased rate and force of contraction, peripheral vasoconstriction
What are the Effects of Catacholamines, epinephrine/norepinephrine on the pulmonary system?
Bronchodialation, increased ventilation.
What are the Effects of Catacholamines, epinephrine/norepinephrine on the Muscular system?
Increased Glycogenolysis, increased dialation of skeletal muscle vasculature.
`What are the Effects of Catacholamines, epinephrine/norepinephrine on the liver?
Increased glucose production, decreased glycogen synthesis
What are the Effects of Catacholamines, epinephrine/norepinephrine on the adipose tissue?
Increased lypolysis
What is glycogenolysis?
Catobolism of glycogen
What are some effects on the body during an acute stress response?
Redirection of blood from gut to muscles and brain
Dilation of pupils
Contraction of spleen
Increased sweat production
What happens during a sustained stress response?
Corticotropin-releasing factor–>stimulation of pituitary gland–> Release of ATCH, thyroxine and Vasopressin–>ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex–>release of Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids.
What effect does Thyroxine have on the body?
Increases metabolic rate
What effect does vasopressin have on the body?
Antidiuretic, retains H2O–> increases blood pressure
What effect do mineralocorticoids have on the body?
regulate kidneys to increase BP and blood volume
What effect do glucocorticoids have on the body?
Simulate creation and release of glucose
Where is ATCH produced?
anterior pituitary gland
What is the function of ACTH?
Stimulates cortisol secretion
What are the effects of cortisol on carbohydrate metabolism?
diminishes peripheral uptake and utilization of glucose, increased blood sugar
What are the effects of cortisol on protein metabolism?
Depresses protein synthesis (including immunoglobin synthesis in muscles)
What are the effects of cortisol on inflammation?
decreases accumulation of leukocytes at site of inflammation, delays healing
What are the effects of cortisol on lipid metabolism?
lipolysis in extremities, lipogenesis in face and trunk.
What are the effects of cortisol on the immune system?
Suppresses the immune system
What are the effects of cortisol on bone?
decreases bone formation
What are the effects of cortisol on the vascular system?
Increases blood pressure
What are some symptoms of stress?
Hypertension chest pain headache Myalgia, arthralgia, fibromyalgia Allergic responses GI symptoms Depression, anxiety panic attacks Discouragement, boredom Eating disorder Prolonged fatigue poor work or school performance sleep disturbance
What evidence is there for a direct link betwn stress events and illness?
Only link at this point is btwn Type A aggressive behavior and CV disease
What are some stress related conditions associated with the CVs system?
Hypertension, Coronary artery disease
What are some stress related conditions associated with connective tissue?
Inflammation, Rheumatoid arthritis
What are some stress related conditions associated with the GI system?
Diarrhea, IBS, ulcer, impotence, diuresis
What are some stress related conditions associated with the integument?
Eczema, acne
What are some stress related conditions associated with the endocrine system?
DM, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
What are some stress related conditions associated with the CNS?
Fatigue, depression, insomnia, substance abuse
What are some stress related conditions associated with the pulmonary system?
hypersensitive reactions (asthema)
What are some stress related conditions associated with the muscular system?
unconscious muscular contraction, tension headache
What are some stress related conditions associated with the immune response?
Immunosupression
What are the three phases of general adaptation syndrome?
Alarm phase, resistance or adaptation, and exhaustion
What happens in the alarm phase?
it is a protective autonomic response that subsides when the stressor is removed
What happens in the resistance or adaptation phase?
Occurs when stressor is not removed and there is a need for long term protection.
Blood sugar and corticosteroid production is increased
Can lead to disease due to fatigue, concentration lapses, irritability and lethargy
What happens during the exhaustion phase?
no further reserves of body energy, immunity leading to risk of organ damage
What are some symptoms of PTSD?
Intrusion (re-experiencing traumatic event)
Avoidance (decreased responsiveness)
Arousal (hyperarousal state)
Variety of autonomic, dysphoric or cognitive symptoms
What type of onset does PTSD have?
A delayed onset, usually more than 6 months
