18. Stress and Mental Health Flashcards
(47 cards)
describes the dynamic regulatory process that maintains homeostasis through a process of adaptation
allostasis
When is physiologic stability achieved
when the autonomic nervous system, the HPA, CV, metabolic, and immune systems respond to internal and external stimuli
characteristics of acute stress
- reaction to a threatening event
- time limited but can occur repeatedly
- associated w/ the “fight or flight” response
ongoing physiologic reaction to events that results in “wear and tear” on the body and negatively impacts health and well-being; “fight and flight” becomes maladaptive
chronic stress
3 stages of Seyle’s general adaptation syndrome (GAS)
- alarm: threat is perceived and body response physiologicically
- resistance: coping mechanisms are used to try and reestablish homeostasis
- exhaustion: occurs if homeostasis is not achieved
What hormone in excess contributes to dysregulation of the ANS
cortisol
increase in the number of abnormal biological parameters as a consequence of wear and tear on the body and brain
allostatic load
What is allostatic load associated with?
Poor health (greater state of chronic stress)
Allostatic load indicators
- BP
- waist to hip ratios
- Glucose (HgbA1C)
- immune system values (CBC)
- Cortisol and NE levels
What type of people are known to have increased allostatic load
- lower socioeconomic status
- racial & ethnic groups
- older adults
- PTSD
- depression
- suicide
- chronic pain
examples of acute stress
- new challenge
- presentation at work
- intermittent fasting
- running sprints
examples of chronic stress
- annoying boss
- bad work schedule
- difficult spouse
- poor sleep habits
- negative friends
a genetic predisposition increases susceptibility to developing a disorder
diathesis
2 factors that determine if a person experiences a stress response
- person-environment relationship
- appraisal of events
personality: competitive, aggressive, ambitious, impatient, alert, tense, and restless; think, speak, and act at an accelerated pace and reflect time-urgent style of living (increased arousal)
Type A
personality: relaxed, easygoing, and easily satisfied; use problem solving skills for major problems and usually don’t try to accomplish too much at any one time
Type B
personality: introverted, respectful, conforming, compliant, and eager to please; avoid conflict and respond to stress w/ depression and hopelessness
Type C
personality: increased negative emotions (depressed), pessimism, and non sharing of emotions
Type D
consists of linkages among defined set of people with whom an individual has personal contacts
social networks
consists of 6-12 people with whom a person has close contact
Level I social network
consists of a larger number of contacts, generally 30-40 people whom the person sees regularly
Level II social network
consists of a large number of people with whom the person has direct contact such as a cashier or mail man; can represent several hundred people
Level III social network
ideal characteristics for a social network
- fairly dense and interconnected (people connected to each other)
- balance between intense and less intense relationships
- opportunities to give and take from network members
positive interpersonal interactions provided by a social network that varies with new life events and health status
social support
