Consequences
How does stress affect the cardiovascular system?
Stress increases heart rate and blood pressure due to SNS stimulation. Over time it can lead to hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, MI, or stroke.
Financial strain, strained family relationships, occupational stress, food insecurity are all examples of what?
psychological stress
Promoting effective coping, health, and well-being is what type of prevention?
Primary prevention
stress that occurs in reaction to a real or perceived demand, threat, or pressure, usually in a short period of time
acute stress
What does the sympathetic system trigger due to stress?
The "fight or flight" response
Affects cognitive function: headaches, nervousness, irritability. Could be problems with decision-making, memory, confusion, anxiety, and depression.
traumatic injury, cardiovascular compromise, or organ failure are all examples of what?
physiologic stress
What are some examples of positive coping mechanisms?
music, exercise, medication, praying, yoga
"self-inflicted" stress. Often occurs from taking on unrealistic assignments beyond what is typically or reasonably expected
episodic acute stress
pituitary and adrenal
How does stress affect the immune system?
Stress decreases WBC due to high cortisol levels. Places patients at higher risk for infection.
What 3 populations are at the highest risk for stress?
Young adults, lower-income Americans, and women
What are some examples of ineffective and maladaptive coping mechanisms?
alcohol abuse, smoking, excessive eating, denial, withdrawal, avoidance
type of stress that is a sustained demand, threat, or pressure that is harmful to one's health
chronic stress
What are some other comorbidities that can relate to stress?
hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, tension headaches, IBS
How does stress affect the musculoskeletal system?
In response to stress, muscle tense up to protect from injury. Pain and discomfort can result from prolonged muscle tension.
What disadvantage does the elderly have when it comes to coping?
social support may decrease
What class of medications are used for stress management?
anxiolytics, hypnotics, antidepressants, antianxiety, muscle relaxants, pyschotheurapuetic
What is the difference between eustress and distress
Eustress: associated with victory and accomplishment
Distress: associated with loss, insecurity, and inadequacy
How does stress affect the GI system?
Gastritis, ulcerative colitis, irritable colon, and diarrhea have been linked to chronic stress due to excessive excretion of catecholamines and cortisol, as have obesity and eating disorders
How is the integumentary system affected by stress?
Hair loss is very common due to stress. Acne, eczema, and psoriasis can also result. Dry mouth and cold sores are also common.
What is increased in adolescents that may affect stress and coping?
Hormone interaction
what are the categories of coping mechanisms?
problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused coping
what are examples of chronic stress
difficult relationships, financial stress, ongoing occupational stress
What does the hypothalamus secrete in response to stress?
corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)