wk 4 BB

Question 1

stressor

Answer 1

a situation that causes stress to a system

Question 2

stress reactivity

Answer 2

the way we respond to a stressor

Question 3

Multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis
¨ Population-based study of 6749 adults
¤ Aged 45-84 years, free of cardiovascular disease
¨ Followed-up over average 8.5 years

¨ Stress measured as burden in 5 domains:

Answer 3

• health problems
  -Health problems of others
  -Job or ability to work problems
  -Relationships
  -Finances

Question 4

Chronic stress (i.e. burden) at baseline predicted
increased likelihood of stroke over the follow-up
period (__% increase)

Answer 4

10

Question 5

¨ Bard (1928) examined the effects of lesions on cats
¤ Removed most of cerebral cortex either with or without
the hypothalamus

Intact hypothalamus, led to ______ _______
¨ We can see this just by stimulating this region

Answer 5

undirected rage

Question 6

The pituitary gland Releases

Answer 6

Somatotrophins e.g. HGH, Growth)
-Thyrotrophins (TSH, metabolism)
-Gonadotrophins (LH, FSH, Fertility)
Corticotrophins (ACTH, stress response)

Question 7

Too much cortisol = __________ syndrome

symptoms =

Answer 7

Cushing’s syndrome

Rapid weight gain, Acne, Reduced libido or infertility, Thin skin, chronic tiredness

Question 8

Too little cortisol = _____ disease

Answer 8

¨ Addison’s disease

extra:
Often caused by adrenal gland failing to produce
enough cortisol
¤ Weight loss
¤ Weakness/ lethargy
¤ In some cases à adrenal crisis
(low blood pressure,
Confusion/ psychosis,
loss of consciousness)
n Adrenal crisis is typically brought about by stressors

Question 9

¨ Sympathomedullary system

Answer 9

Hypothalamus -> autonomic nervous system ->
adrenaline

Question 10

Epinephrine/ adrenaline

Answer 10

From adrenal medulla
¤ Releases stored forms of energy in muscles
(protein à glucose)
¤ Stimulates heart & other organs
¨ Responsible for ‘fight or flight response’
¨ Involved in the 4 f’s: fight, fright, flight and sex

Question 11

Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 11

Chronic exposure to stressors led to sequence of 3
stages
Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion

Question 12

Alarm stage in Selye’s General Adaptation syndrome

Answer 12

Arousal of ANS
during first encounter with stressor
Resistance to stressor drops below normal with potential for shock

here, hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol are released

SNS activated

Question 13

Resistance stage of Selye’s General adaptation syndrome

Answer 13

Continued exposure

parasympathetic system returns physiological functions to normal levels
¤ Blood glucose, epinephrine & cortisol all remain high
¤ Heart rate, blood pressure, breathing all increased

Over time, resistance to stressor increases, levels out
at normal levels.
¨ Resistance = adaptation to environmental stressors

Question 14

Exhaustion of Selye’s General adaptation syndrome

Answer 14

¨ If the stressor continues beyond the body’s capacity,
the stressor depletes the available resources.
¨ Loss of ability to adapt to situations
¨ Susceptible to illness, and even death

Question 15

Stress – via cortisol – can directly suppress activity
of _________system

Answer 15

immune

Question 16

Glaser et al., 1987
¤ Blood samples from 40 1st year medical students
n During exam periods, and 1 month before exams
¤ During exams, immune system responses _____

Answer 16

weakened

Question 17

Psychological modifiers of stress
response

what can help you cope/react

Answer 17

• outlets of frustration
• sense of predictability
• a perception of life improving
• social support