Chapter 26 Stress and Associated Problems - Vocabulary Flashcards

100 vocabulary-style flashcards covering the major concepts, terms, and mechanisms described in the notes on stress and related problems.

Stress

The generalized or systemic response to a change (stressor), internal or external.

Stressor

Any factor that creates a significant change in the body or environment; may be physical, psychological, or both.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Selye’s three-stage response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Alarm stage

First stage of GAS; the body’s defenses are mobilized by the hypothalamus, SNS, and adrenal glands.

Resistance stage

Second stage of GAS; hormonal levels are elevated and essential body systems operate at peak performance.

Exhaustion stage

Final stage of GAS; the body is unable to respond further or is damaged by the increased demands.

Fight or flight

The immediate, generalized response to a stressor, preparing the body to confront or flee.

Homeostasis

The regulation of internal conditions to maintain a stable state.

Maladaptive

Unhelpful or harmful physiologic or behavioral responses to stress.

Eustress (Positive stress)

Stress that is inspiring and may promote long-term health, motivation, and focus.

Distress (Negative stress)

Unhelpful or harmful stress that can lead to adverse health effects.

Techno-stress (Technostress)

Stress related to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Smartphone use disorder

A problematic pattern of smartphone use associated with notable stress reactions.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone released by the adrenal cortex; raises glucose, suppresses certain immune responses.

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)

Pituitary hormone that stimulates cortisol release from the adrenal cortex.

CRF (Corticotropin-releasing factor)

Hypothalamic factor that stimulates ACTH release.

Adrenal medulla

Part of the adrenal gland that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stress.

Norepinephrine

Catecholamine released from sympathetic nerves; increases arousal and causes vasoconstriction.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Catecholamine that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and bronchodilation.

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid from the adrenal cortex; promotes Na+ and water retention, increasing blood volume.

ADH (Antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin)

Posterior pituitary hormone that promotes water reabsorption, increasing blood volume and pressure.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to certain areas.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to tissues.

Bronchodilation

Dilation of the bronchioles, enhancing ventilation.

Glycogenolysis

Breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver.

Gluconeogenesis

Production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Protein catabolism

Breakdown of proteins into amino acids for energy or gluconeogenesis.

Lipolysis

Breakdown of fats to fatty acids and glycerol for energy.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose levels during stress response.

Inflammatory response decrease

Cortisol reduces inflammatory responses, especially early stages.

Immune suppression

Reduction in immune system activity during stress.

Memory impairment

Stress-related disruption of memory formation and recall, especially with glucocorticoids.

Acute renal failure

Kidney failure from prolonged severe vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow.

Stress ulcers

Gastric ulcers that occur under severe stress; can cause bleeding.

Curling ulcer

Stress-related gastric ulcer associated with severe burns.

Stomatitis

Inflammation or ulcers in the mouth linked to stress.

Periodontitis

Inflammation of periodontal tissues; can be stress-related.

Peptic ulcer

Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum associated with stress.

Ulcerative colitis

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can be aggravated by stress.

Regional ileitis (Crohn’s disease)

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease often related to stress.

Nausea

Feeling of sickness that can accompany stress.

Diarrhea

Frequent loose stools; can be stress-related.

Herpes simplex

Herpes simplex outbreaks can be triggered or worsened by stress.

Eczema

Dermatitis that may flare with stress.

Acne

Skin condition that can worsen with stress.

Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure associated with stress.

Angina

Chest pain due to reduced blood flow; can be precipitated by stress.

Congestive heart failure

Heart’s reduced pumping ability; stress can worsen symptoms.

Cerebrovascular accident (Stroke)

Acute brain event; stress may precipitate in susceptible individuals.

Cancer

Malignant disease; chronic stress may influence progression or risk.

Infection

Increased susceptibility to infection due to immune suppression.

Autoimmune disorders

Diseases where immune responses attack the body's own tissues; stress can influence activity.

Obesity

Excess body fat associated with chronic stress and coping behaviors.

Multiple sclerosis

Autoimmune CNS disorder; stress may exacerbate symptoms.

Seizures

Abnormal neuronal activity; stress can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.

Depression

Mood disorder that can be exacerbated by stress.

Tension headache

Headache associated with muscular tension during stress.

Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping due to stress or hyperarousal.

Diabetes mellitus

Metabolic disorder of glucose regulation; stress can worsen control.

Cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse

Liver cirrhosis linked to alcohol use, which can be worsened by stress.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Severe stress reaction after trauma; may involve re-experiencing, avoidance, and dissociation.

Re-experiencing (reliving)

Symptoms of PTSD involving reliving the traumatic event.

Avoidance

PTSD symptom of avoiding reminders of the trauma.

Dissociative state

PTSD symptom of emotional detachment or blunting.

Coping strategies

Methods used to manage stress and reduce its impact.

Aerobic exercise

Endurance activity (cycling, swimming, running) that reduces stress and improves circulation.

Blood glucose stability during aerobic exercise

Steady blood glucose levels during aerobic activity due to fat utilization.

Relaxation techniques

Strategies (breathing, progressive relaxation) to reduce stress.

Imagery

Visualization technique used to induce relaxation and coping.

Biofeedback therapy

Technique to gain conscious control of physiological functions.

Music therapy

Use of music to reduce stress and improve well-being.

Art therapy

Use of art activities to cope with stress and express emotions.

Counseling and support services

Professional support to help manage stress and coping.

Lorazepam (Ativan)

Short-acting benzodiazepine used for short-term anxiety relief; caution for side effects.

Sleep hygiene

Practices to improve sleep quality and duration.

Support system

Social support from family, friends, or community that helps manage stress.

Maladaptive coping mechanisms

Unhelpful strategies (e.g., overeating, excessive caffeine, smoking) that worsen stress.

Locus ceruleus

Cluster of norepinephrine-secreting cells in the brainstem that drives rapid stress responses.

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

Part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers rapid, involuntary responses to stress.

Central nervous system activation

Stimulation of the brain and spinal cord in response to stress.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that initiates the stress response via CRF and the HPA axis.

Pituitary gland

Gland that releases ACTH in response to CRF.

Adrenal cortex

Outer adrenal gland portion that secretes cortisol and aldosterone.

Corticosteroids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, including cortisol and aldosterone.

Endorphins

Endogenous opioid peptides released during stress that dampen pain.

Ischemia

Reduced blood flow to tissue, potentially causing damage.

Delayed healing

Slower tissue repair due to cortisol and catecholamine effects.

Opportunistic infections

Infections by organisms that are normally nonpathogenic, due to immune suppression.

Lymphoid tissue atrophy

Shrinkage of lymphoid tissue with prolonged cortisol exposure.

Glucocorticoids

Class of steroid hormones (including cortisol) that regulate metabolism and suppress inflammation.

WBC suppression

Reduction in white blood cell numbers or function during stress.

Memory disruption

Stress can disrupt memory formation and retrieval through hormonal effects.

Recovery to normal status

Return to baseline physiological balance after the stress ends.

Gastric mucosa vulnerability

Stress-related decrease in protective mucus and regeneration, increasing ulcer risk.

Coping by sleep and diet

Strategies to manage stress by rest and nutrition.

Timeline of stress effects

Acute stress may enhance function; prolonged stress can cause damage and disease.

Positive coping outcomes

Using effective coping strategies to restore homeostasis and health.

Negative coping outcomes

Maladaptive strategies that worsen stress and health.

Stress as a precipitating factor

Stress can trigger or worsen diseases (asthma, ulcers, infections, etc.).

Adaptive vs maladaptive responses

Adaptive responses help cope; maladaptive responses hinder recovery.