Psychiatric Disorders and the Impact of Stress

These flashcards cover key concepts related to psychiatric disorders, the impact of stress on health, including the physiological responses to stress and the implications for mental health.

Psychiatric Disorders

Mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior, such as anxiety and depression.

Economic Stress

A type of stress stemming from financial difficulties that can contribute to mental health issues.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Stress Processing System

The physiological and psychological responses that occur in reaction to stressors.

Chronic Stress

Stress that persists over an extended period, which can negatively impact health.

Hans Selye

A pioneer in stress research who proposed the General Adaptation Syndrome model.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage response to stress: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion.

Alarm Reaction

The initial stage of stress response where the body becomes alert and mobilizes resources.

Resistance Stage

The phase where the body strives to cope with the stressor and maintain homeostasis.

Exhaustion Stage

The final stage of stress response characterized by depletion of resources and potential health issues.

Hypothalamus

A brain region involved in the stress response and regulation of the endocrine system.

Cortisol

A stress hormone released during the stress response that can impact various bodily functions.

Immune System

The body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases, which can be weakened by stress.

Fight or Flight Response

The body's immediate reaction to perceived threats involving physiological changes to prepare for action.

Epinephrine

A hormone released during stress that prepares the body for rapid response.

Stressors

External factors or stimuli that trigger stress responses in individuals.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors without altering DNA sequences.

Coping Strategies

Techniques or methods used to manage stress and mitigate its effects on well-being.

Maternal Support

Care and nurturing provided by mothers, which can influence stress coping in offspring.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

The interdisciplinary study of the interactions between the nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system.

Inflammatory Problems

Conditions characterized by an immune response that can lead to chronic issues such as brain fog.

General Adaptation Stages

The three stages of stress response: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Physiological Response

The physical changes that occur in the body as a reaction to stress.

Positive Emotions

Feelings that can enhance immune function and overall health.

General Well-being

A holistic state of health that includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Stress Hormones

Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that are released during stress responses.

Comfort Mechanism

Supportive actions by caregivers that help individuals cope with stress.

Vulnerability to Illness

An increased risk of developing health problems as a result of prolonged stress.

Behavioral Changes

Alterations in behavior that may arise due to stress or mental health issues.

Response Variability

Differences in how individuals react to the same stressor based on various factors.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt as a result of experience, including stress.

Biopsychosocial Model

An approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in health and illness.

Maternal Neglect

The lack of care and support by a mother, which can negatively affect a child's ability to cope with stress.

Heart Disease

A range of conditions affecting the heart that can be exacerbated by chronic stress.