Stress and Burnout

Question 1

define “stress”

Answer 1

a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. can initiate the fight or flight response

Question 2

which hormones facilitate immediate physical reactions?

Answer 2

adrenaline or noradrenaline (catecholamines)

Question 3

what somatic responses are associated with stress?

Answer 3

rapid breathing
slowing of digestive system
increased HR
decreased immune system
tense muscles
do not sleep (heightened sense of alertness)

Question 4

define “burnout”

Answer 4

state of overwhelming, emotional listlessness and depression due to prolonged levels of high stress. emotional and physical exhaustion from a combination of exposure to environmental and internal stressors and inadequate coping and adaptive skills

Question 5

what are some symptoms of burnout?

Answer 5

irritability, lack of motivation, lack of creativity. increasingly negative attitude toward his or her job, low self esteem, and personal devaluation.

Question 6

what are some p1 stressors?

Answer 6

Course load
Family responsibilities
Incurring financial debt
Decreased chances for social, leisure, or physical activities
Inadequate coping skills
Difficulty in adjusting to lifestyle changes

Question 7

university of texas pan-american - what was their study about?

Answer 7

27 first semester pa students about stress. they said their stress levels at this time were moderate to considerable. they employed passive techniques.

Question 8

P2 stressors? (aka things to look forward to)

Answer 8

Varying shifts
Perceived lack of knowledge and skills
Changing locations every 5 weeks
Learning health care policy
Learning the layout and flow of the hospital
Dealing with difficult patients
Dealing with life and death situations
Balancing family responsibilities
Incurring debt
Decreased social life and physical activity
Loss of your P1 family network
Inadequate coping skills
Change in eating habits, especially in surgery
Seasonal Affective Disorder-Cleveland Clinic provides light boxes for their medical students

Question 9

What were the results of the Assessment of Psychological Stress and Symptomatology for Didactic Phase Physician Assistant Students?

Answer 9

• significant amount of stress in that 28.4% and 21% were likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder during the first and second semesters, respectively.
• Male students were more stressed of GSI scores were above the mean both semesters.
• Male students were more stressed as compared to female students the first semester.
• Somatization, obsessive-compulsive, and paranoid ideation were significantly higher in the first semester

Question 10

how is stress detrimental to achievement?

Answer 10

Decreased attention span
Decreased decision making capability
Decreased ability to establish patient rapport
Change in sleeping habits

Question 11

what are the two most frequent negative coping strategies?

Answer 11

self distraction and self blame. (scapegoating and lack of forgiveness of yourself/others are also common)

Question 12

what is empathy erosion?

Answer 12

a decline in empathy caused by burnout

Question 13

what is mindfellness meditation and when was it developed?

Answer 13

Developed in 1979 at U Mass medical school

Uses your mind to slow down your physiological responses