Stress Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is somatic (physical) stress?
Physical, emotional and subjective experiences associated with damage of body tissue and bodily threat (eg pain and inflammation).
What is psychological stress?
Emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances, often involving anticipation
What is eustress (good stress)?
Positive stress which is beneficial and motivating; typically, the experience of striving for a goal which is within reach. Eustress is motivating
What is distress (bad stress)?
Negative stress which is damaging and harmful.
Typically occurs when a challenge (or threat) is not resolved by coping or adaptation.
What is homeostasis?
Maintaining internal environment necessary for cell functioning
What is allostasis?
How complex systems adapt in changing environments, by changing set-points (“adaption through change”)
What is allostatic load?
Refers to cumulative exposure to stressors, which if unrelieved leads to systems ‘wearing out’.
What is acute stress?
Short-lived response to a novel situation experienced by the body as a danger.
It is healthy & adaptive, and necessary for survival
What is chronic stress?
Arises from repeated or continued exposure to threatening or dangerous situations, especially those that cannot be controlled.
Some (but not all) involve appraisal and conscious perception
Give some examples of chronic stressors
Physical illness, disability & pain
Physical or sexual abuse
Poverty including poor housing, hunger, cold or damp debt
Unemployment
Bullying or discrimination
Caregiving
What are the 5 elements of the human stress response?
Biochemical
Physiological
Behavioural
Cognitive
Emotional
What are stress responses mediated via?
Autonomic nervous system (sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system) & hypothalamo-pituitary (HPA) axis
What are the inflammation and immune response mediated and modified by?
Adrenaline and cortisol
What is the biochemical and molecular stress response for acute stress?
Immune suppression
What is the biochemical and molecular stress response for chronic stress?
Partial immune suppression + low-grade chronic inflammatory response; ? effects on gene expression
What is disrupted in a chronic stress response?
Balance between immune activation & autoimmunity
What are the fast physiological stress responses?
Blood flow increases up to 400%, directed to heart & muscles
Increased heart rate & blood pressure
Muscles tense
Glucose released, insulin levels fall: boost energy to muscles
Red blood cells discharged from the spleen
Mouth becomes dry & digestion is inhibited
Sweating
Cytotoxic & surveillance WBCs go where injury & inflammation may occur i.e. bone marrow, skin, lymph nodes
Give some examples of the physical effects of chronic stress
Headache
Chest pain
Stomach ache
Musculoskeletal pain
Low energy
Loss of libido
Colds & infections
Cold hands & feet
Clenched jaw & grinding teeth
What are some behavioural responses to stress?
Easily startled & hypervigilant
Change in appetite – both directions
Weight gain (obesity) or weight loss
Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
Increased use of alcohol, drugs & smoking
Nail biting, fidgeting and pacing
Sleep disturbances especially insomnia
Withdrawal
What are some cognitive responses to stress?
Constant worrying
Racing thoughts
Forgetfulness and disorganisation
Inability to focus
Poor judgement
Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
Altered learning
What are some emotional responses to stress?
Depression & sadness
Tearfulness
Mood swings
Irritability
Restlessness
Aggression
Low self-esteem and worthlessness
Boredom & apathy
Feeling overwhelmed
Rumination, anticipation & avoidance
What are the key parts of the brain that mediate responses to stressors?
Amygdala
Hippocampus
What type of illnesses is stress related to?
Cardiovascular
GI
Those with strong ANS connections
How does stress affect physical illnesses?
Exacerbates physical illnesses
Slows recovery
Increases susceptibility to infection
