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16 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Stress
a physical and mental response to our environment
Homeostasis
the process of the body constantly adjusting to the surrounding environment to keep body conditions stable
Stress Response
the body's reaction when a physical or mental event threatens the equilibrium; often referred to as "fight-or-flight"
"Fight-or-Flight"
another name for the stress response; the body prepares for physical action in order to confront or flee the perceived danger
Symptoms of Response
begins in the brain's hypothalamus, which signals the release of stress hormones (mainly adrenaline) from the adrenal glands; these hormones cause a variety of responses: pupils wide, muscles tense, heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, red blood cell count increases, blood sugar rises, digestive system decreases, immune system decreases
Protective Mechanism
the symptoms of the stress response help us defend ourselves against danger; if the threat requires a physical response, stress hormones burn up quickly; modern day stressors rarely require physical responses; so stress hormones linger unused in the body
Positive Side of Stress Symptoms
not all stress is bad; wihtout stress we would have little motivation and energy; inadequate stress levels produce symptoms similar to depression; stress helps athletes break records; it also helps us meet deadlines, generate new ideas, and if necessary, survive physical danger; negative symptoms of stress develop only when we experience excess stress
Acute Stress
caused by a one-time stressor: an accident, a deadline, or an argument, isolated incidents of acute stress don't cause many symptoms beyond the immediate physical stress response; when acute stressors occur continuously, more serious symptoms begin to develop
Symptoms of Acute Stress
anger, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, joint pain, muscle tension, shortness of breath, upset stomach, and sweating
Chronic Stress
caused by unhealthy relationships, illness, caring for a sick family member, poverty, etc.
Chronic Stress Symptoms
fatigue, muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, depression, backaches, frequent infections and headaches
Chronic Stress Disorders
continued symptoms can lead to a number of serious health complications, including: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, eating disorders, and immune system disorders
Stress Effects on Body
atherosclerosis, migraines, hypertension, sleep deprivation, chronic fatigue, depression, diarrhea or constipation, acid reflux disease, acne, hives, and eating disorders
Negative Physical Effects of Stress
an accumulation of persistent stressful situations, particularly those that a person cannot easily control (e.g. high pressured work plus an unhappy relationship); persistent stress following a severe acute response to a traumatic event; an inefficient or insufficient relaxation response; acute stress in people with serious illness, such as heart disease
Psychological Effects of Stress
studies suggest that the inability to adapt to stress is associated with the onset of depression or anxiety; in one study, two-thirds of subjects who experienced a stressful situation had nearly six times the risk of developing depression within that month; some evidence suggests that repeated release of stress hormone produces hyperactivity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and disrupts normal levels of serotonin, the nerve chemical that is critical for feelings of well-being; stress diminishes the quality of life by reducing feelings of pleasure and accomplishment, and relationships are often threatened
More Stress Disorders
heart disease; stroke; susceptibility to infections; immune disorders; cancer; gastrointestinal problems (irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease); eating problems (weight gain, weight loss); diabetes; pain (muscular and joint pain, headaches); sleep disturbances; sexual and reproductive dysfunction (sexual function, premenstual syndrome, fertility, effects on pregnancy); memory, concentration, and learning; allergies; skin disorders; unexplained hair loss (Allopecia Areata); teeth and gums