Definitions
Define Stress
a physical or psychological stimuli which disrupts homeostasis and generates stress response
What hormones are released during the primary, fast acting, stress response? & what structure are they released from
epinephrine & norepinephrine
adrenal medulla
Chronic inflammation induces oxidative stress, what does widespread oxidative stress do to the body?
Promotes tissue damage and degeneration
Accelerates the aging process
Can cause: osteoporosis, muscle wasting, myopathy, ideopathic neuropathy widespread pain, immunodeficeincy
Prolonged sympathetic drive associated with chronic stress does what to heart rate and blood pressure?
elevates HR & BP
Name the 8 parts of the phase model of psychosocial adaptation
shock
anxiety
denial
depression
internalized anger
externalized hostility
acknowledgement
adjustment
Define stress response
complex interactions between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems
What kind of feedback loop is the primary, fast acting, sympathetic response?
Name the 3 proposed mechanisms of cortisol dysfunction
1. depletion of available cortisol
2. glucocorticoid receptor downregulation
3. hypersensitivity of the negative feedback loop within the HPA
How can chronic stress increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?
arterial damage from chronic inflammation, vasoconstriction, and fluid retention
platelets can clump from increased epinephrine levels causing blood clots
if a personal has a reduction of emotional impact, what type of denial are they experiencing?
denial of affect
Define anxiety
apprehensive anticipation of future danger or misfortune accompanied by feelings of tension, irritability, and or agitation
What is the role of the secondary, slow acting, norendocrine response?
Return body to homeostasis
release cortisol
suppress non-vital organ systems
decrease systemic inflammation caused by the initial stress response
What does the chronic stress response do to cortisol secretion?
Prolongs cortisol secretion
Decreased parasympathetic drive due to chronic stress can do what to insulin production?
decrease insulin production - limited processing and storage of glucose
In what order does the phase model of psychosocial adaptation have to occur? (think.)
Define the order sensory information is passed through structures to determine threat vs nonthreat
prefrontal cortex -> limbic system and amygdala
Describe the pathway (structures signaled) cortisol is released during the secondary, slow acting, norendocrine response
Amygdala -> hypothalamus -> pituitary gland -> adrenal cortex -> release of cortisol
What happens to the blood brain barrier with cortisol dysfunction?
widens the gap:
causing cellular waste & toxins to pass through
prolong inflammation
facilitates pain, depression, reduced cognitive function
What does chronic stress do to the gastrointestinal system?
causes inflammation with reduced nutrient absorption
can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, IBS, chron's disease
What is adjustment in regards to the phase model of psychosocial adaptation?
taking action to initiate change, requires acknowledgment and awareness
Define the Hebbian Theory
Neurons that fire together, wire together
What can cause an acute stressor to facilitate a chronic stress response?
repeated exposure
learned behaviors
increased release of cortisol can lead to what psychological condition(s)?
depression & anxiety
What are the 3 stages of general adaptation syndrome?
2. resistance stage - persistent stress
3. exhaustion stage - chronic stress & cortisol dysfunction
If an event is perceived as unpredictable and outside of the individuals control then there is an increased likelihood of developing _____
PTSD