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16 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Stress
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a physical and mental response to our environment
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Homeostasis
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the process of the body constantly adjusting to the surrounding environment to keep body conditions stable
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Stress Response
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the body's reaction when a physical or mental event threatens the equilibrium; often referred to as "fight-or-flight"
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"Fight-or-Flight"
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another name for the stress response; the body prepares for physical action in order to confront or flee the perceived danger
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Symptoms of Response
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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
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Protective Mechanism
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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
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Positive Side of Stress Symptoms
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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
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Acute Stress
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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
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Symptoms of Acute Stress
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anger, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, joint pain, muscle tension, shortness of breath, upset stomach, and sweating
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Chronic Stress
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caused by unhealthy relationships, illness, caring for a sick family member, poverty, etc.
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Chronic Stress Symptoms
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fatigue, muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, depression, backaches, frequent infections and headaches
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Chronic Stress Disorders
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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
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Stress Effects on Body
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atherosclerosis, migraines, hypertension, sleep deprivation, chronic fatigue, depression, diarrhea or constipation, acid reflux disease, acne, hives, and eating disorders
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Negative Physical Effects of Stress
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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
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Psychological Effects of Stress
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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
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More Stress Disorders
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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
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