Stress and Adaptation

Beneficial, mild, brief, controllable stress

eustress

Eustress comes from a ____ source, like watching a scary movie, healthy competition, and winning the lottery

good

Extreme, uncontrollable anxiety, sorrow, or pain

distress

Distress comes from bad sources and can negatively affect ____

health

Environmental factors that cause stress, like extreme temperatures, noise, or physical injury

Physical stressors

Stressors related to emotional well-being, such as anxiety, grief, or interpersonal conflict

Psychological stressors

Environmental and social factors affecting mental health, such as relationships, financial issues, and work pressure

Psycho-social stressors

Elements that affect spiritual well-being, including loss of meaning, existential crises, or spiritual conflict

Psycho-spiritual stressors

Which part of the control system detects a change

sensor

Which part of the control system compares incoming data with “normal”

integrator

Which part of the control system that tries to reverse changes

effector

Three stages of general adaptation syndrome

Alarm, resistance, exhaustion

Immediate reaction to stress, marked by the release of catecholamines and cortisol. Considered the”fight or flight” response

Alarm Stage

Reaction to stress where the body fights back by adjusting to the stress

Resistance Stage

Reaction to stress marked by depleted resources

Exhaustion Stage

Which system in the body Is activated by the hypothalamus

Sympathetic nervous system

What glands are activated to release catecholamines

Adrenal glands

End goal of the Hypothalamus- Pituitary- Adrenal axis

release of cortisol

Hormone released by the hypothalamus to signal the pituitary gland

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

When signaled by the CRH, what is produced by the pituitary gland

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

ACTH signals the adrenal glands to secrete which hormone 

cortisol

Which hormones are suppressed to conserve energy

Growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and reproductive hormones

The RAAS secretes which hormones to help in stress response

aldosterone and ADH

Excess capacity in organs and biological systems

Physiologic reserve

Physiologic reserve for oxygen

excess amounts are present in blood on RBCs

Physiologic reserve for nutrients

glycogen and adipose storage

Physiologic reserve for calcium

bones

Paired organs where only one is needed to ensure survival and homeostasis

anatomic reserve

Paired anatomical reserve organs

lungs, kidneys, and adrenals

Humans adapt best when changes occur _____

gradually

When a stressor is constand and lasts for many generations, humans can adapt _____

genetically

Ability to adapt is decreased in the very ____ and ___

young, old

Changes in the _____ rhythm can cause alterations in immune function, hormone secretion, and physical and psychological functioning

circadian

Quality associated with greater psychological well-being and lower levels of stress

handiness

Three C’s of handiness

control, commitment, challenge

Quality of handiness where patients have a strong sense of control over events in their life and can overcome their experiences

control

Quality of handiness where patients are highly committed and involved in tasks and have a strong sense of purpose 

commitment

Quality of handiness where patients view life events as challenges to overcome, challenge is an opportunity for development

challenge

How does stress affect the brain

difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, irritability, mood changes, and mind fog

How does stress affect the cardiovascular system

high cholesterol, high BP, increased risk of infarction and stroke

How does stress affect the joints and muscles

tension, pain, stiffness, and inflammation

How does stress affect the immune system

increased susceptibility to illness, decreased function, and delayed healing

How does stress affect the skin

hair loss, dull/ brittle hair, brittle nails, dry skin, acne, delayed tissue repair

How does stress affect the gut

changes in motility, indigestion, bloating, pain, ad decreased nutrient absorption 

How does stress affect the reproductive system

decreased hormone production, lowered ibido, and increase in PMS

How does stress affect psychologic factors

depression, accidents, suicide, chronic alcoholism, drug abuse, and eating disorders