Introduction to the concept of stress and its impacts
Overview of stress management techniques
Discussion of Trauma Related Disorders:
Acute Stress
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Definition:
Physiological and psychological response to both internal and external stressors.
Effects of Stress:
Influences nearly every bodily system and affects feelings and behaviors.
Symptoms can include:
Palpitations
Sweating
Dry mouth
Shortness of breath
Fidgeting
Accelerated speech
Augmented negative emotions
Increased fatigue during prolonged stress
Cognitive Impact:
Diminishes the ability to think clearly and make plans,
Heightens emotional responses.
Neurological Impact:
Reduces neuron connections in areas like the hippocampus and frontal lobes;
Increases connections in the amygdala.
Fight-or-Flight Response:
Body's natural response to perceived danger, preparing for confrontation or escape.
Stress:
Typically triggered by an external factor (short-term deadlines, interpersonal conflicts).
Symptoms include irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive issues, and sleep problems.
Anxiety:
Defined by persistent worries without an immediate stressor; consistent symptoms like insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis:
Activated during stress, connecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
Involved in stress response:
Sympathetic Division: Engages fight-or-flight response.
Parasympathetic Division: Helps restore bodily functions and eliminate waste.
Function of ANS:
Maintains homeostasis across bodily systems (heart rate, blood pressure).
Coordinates physical responses to stressors and exercise.
Responses to Perceived Threat:
Signal sent to the amygdala via conscious and preconscious pathways.
Release of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH).
Activation of the ANS leading to release of epinephrine and glucocorticoids.
Initiation of fight-or-flight response.
Chronic Stress Effects:
Modulates locus coeruleus affecting norepinephrine levels and CRH reactivity.
Genetic variations impact reactivity to stress, risking negative outcomes.
Influence of CRH variants on stress response:
Genetic factors leading to vulnerability.
HPA Axis Role in Mental Disorders:
Linked to conditions such as:
Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Psychosis in Adolescence
Cortisol Overview:
Produced during stress, mobilizes energy resources.
Levels rise during stress and may contribute to chronic issues like depression and behavior problems.
Psychological Stress and the Immune System:
Chronic stress results in immunosuppression, impacting overall health.
Strategies include:
Recognizing Fear as Normal:
Fear is a universal human experience that can provide insight into feelings.
Breathing Exercises:
Mindful breathing to calm the nervous system.
Grounding Techniques:
Techniques to connect with the present moment and reduce anxiety.
New DSM-5 Classification:
Disorders caused by stressful life events:
PTSD
Acute Stress Disorder
Adjustment Disorders
Attachment Disorders
Definition:
Symptoms arising from trauma exposure:
Intrusion symptoms (e.g., distressing memories).
Negative mood (e.g., inability to experience happiness).
Dissociative symptoms (e.g., memory lapses).
Avoidance symptoms (e.g., avoiding reminders of trauma).
Arousal symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbances).
Symptoms must last longer than 3 days but less than one month.
Defining Features:
Trauma exposure leading to significant distress and impairment in function:
Re-experiencing trauma (intrusive memories, flashbacks).
Avoidance behavior.
Negative cognitive and emotional alterations.
Statistics:
Commonly associated with combat and sexual assault; approximately 7% of the population experiences PTSD at some point.
Criteria based on exposure to trauma, symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition/mood, and duration of over a month for diagnosis.
Symptoms include:
Recurrent distressing memories.
Flashbacks.
Persistent negative emotional states or detachment from others.
Risks include:
Intensity of trauma, biological vulnerabilities, learned responses, and lack of social support during recovery.
Psychological Treatments:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective in addressing thoughts and behaviors.
Possible inclusion of narrative exposure, challenging maladaptive beliefs.
Medications:
SSRIs commonly prescribed to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms.
Upcoming assignments/assessments:
Mid-semester evaluations and diagnostic quizzes on mood disorders.
Key takeaways include understanding:
The nature of stress and its causes.
The types of trauma-related disorders and effective assessment strategies.