Lecture 8 Flashcards
Homeostasis
body’s ability to maintain its internal environment in a state of dynamic equilibrium despite external influences that promote imbalance
begins at a cellular level
if external demands exceed capacity of cells to adapt, can result in permanent disequilibrium
Stress
reactions to stimuli that disrupt homeostasis
includes any factor that causes a change within the body. physiological, psychological, social
Hans Selye
credited with coming up with the term of stress
studied why pts with different diseases had similar symptoms
created the general adaptation system
General Adaptation Syndrome
prolonged stress
- Alarm
- Resistance/adaptation
- Exhaustion
Alarm
fight, flight, freeze
immediate responses mediated by the sympathetic nervous system to ensure survival
Resistance/adaptation
hormonal responses if stressor is not removed
longer-term protection by increasing blood glucose and blood pressure
Exhaustion
body has run out of its reserves
mental, physical, emotional responses are depleted
can lead to organ damage `
SNS activation
FAST reaction. immediate to the stressor
blood vessels constrict or dilate
heart rate increases, force of contraction increases
decreased blood to gut
liver releases glucose
HPA axis
SLOW reaction. hormones are released
hypothalamus: CRF
Pituitary: ACTH
Adrenal cortex: cortisol
Cortisol
almost all cells have cortisol receptors
catabolic hormone
decreases inflammation, suppressing immune responses
increases blood glucose and triglycerides
increases blood pressure
increases wake time and decreases REM
temporarily protects against some stressors
prolonged secretion leads to organ/tissue damage
Stress and disease
there is not a direct cause and effect relationship between chronic stress response and illness/disease
strong correlations between chronic stress and conditions like muscle tension, pain, fatigue, etc
Stress factors
situational
environmental
psychologic
physical
Cushing’s syndrome
due to overproduction of cortisol by adrenal cortex
or due to systemaic pharmacological administration of glucocorticoids
chronic stress does NOT result in cushings syndrome
Stress is only ___ of disease
1 component
it is not usually the primary component
avoid blaming the pt or using stress relief as an easy fix
Stress management
the success of the body’s response in maintaining homeostasis in response to stress
some factors we have control over: physical condition, coping strategies, health improving behaviors
How can we help clients manage stress?
coping strategies
help change health behaviors
recognize perceived control
promote self-efficacy
teach relaxation strategies
Most important factor when dealing with stress
feeling of control or your perceived level of control
perceived control is more important than the actual amount of control someone has
self-efficacy
the ability or confidence of a person to implement an effective behavior
necessary for behavior change
based on attitude, cognition, and expectations
Strategies to decrease stress
healthy lifestyle
identify priorities
be aware of your limits
avoid making nonessential changes during stressful times
develop problem solving skills
support system
Relaxation techniques
laughter
slow breathing
meditation
yoga
massage
exercise
autogenic relaxation
progressive muscle relaxation
Autogenic relaxation
involves individual repeats or listens to a set of visualizations that induce a state of relaxation
involves imagining lims are warm/heavy, breathing is slow/regular, hr is steady/slow, body is relaxed
be alert but passive observer
Progressive muscle relaxation
involves learning to monitor muscular tension in specific muscle group by first inducing tension and then releasing it while paying attention to the contrast between tension and relaxation
