Stress and Coping
The body's immediate reaction to a stressor (alarm stage).
fight or flight response
The field that studies how psychological factors affect health.
Disorder characterized by excessive fear or worry.
anxiety disorders
cognitive therapy
Brain chemical linked to mood and depression.
serotonin
A stressor that comes from within (like illness or negative thoughts).
internal stressor
Illnesses influenced by stress and psychological factors.
psychosomatic illnesses
Disorder involving extreme mood swings (mania and depression).
bipolar disorder
Medication used to treat depression (e.g., Prozac).
antidepressants (SSRIs)
The brain structure involved in fear processing.
amygdala
This type of coping involves directly addressing the problem.
problem-focused coping
This system calms the body after stress.
parasympathetic nervous system
Persistent sadness and loss of interest.
major depressive disorder
Therapy that uses rewards to reinforce desired behaviors.
behavior therapy
This system controls involuntary bodily functions.
autonomic nervous system
The three stages of Hans Selye's stress model.
alarm, resistance, exhaustion
The belief that you control your own health outcomes.
internal locus of control
Disorder involving distorted thinking and hallucinations.
Treatment involving exposure to feared objects or situations
exposure therapy
Overactivity of this neurotransmitter is linked to schizophrenia.
dopamine
This hormone is released during stress and can damage the body long-term.
cortisol
The Type A personality trait linked to heart disease risk.
hostility
Repetitive behaviors driven by intrusive thoughts.
This biomedical treatment uses electrical stimulation for severe depression.
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
This brain area is associated with decision-making and impulse control.
prefrontal cortex