Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does long-term stress affect the cardiovascular system?
How does long-term stress affect the cardiovascular system?
Why are people experiencing lots of stress more likely to get sick?
Why are people experiencing lots of stress more likely to get sick?
Which of the following is a common symptom of PTSD?
Which of the following is a common symptom of PTSD?
Are the physical effects of stress always harmful?
Are the physical effects of stress always harmful?
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Why do people experience negative feelings when they are stressed?
Why do people experience negative feelings when they are stressed?
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What might happen to Karl's school performance if he does not manage his stress effectively?
What might happen to Karl's school performance if he does not manage his stress effectively?
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What behavior might someone exhibit when experiencing stress?
What behavior might someone exhibit when experiencing stress?
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What is a potential consequence of stress on sleep?
What is a potential consequence of stress on sleep?
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How might people experiencing stress feel about their social relationships?
How might people experiencing stress feel about their social relationships?
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What might you find useful to include when responding empathetically to someone like Karl?
What might you find useful to include when responding empathetically to someone like Karl?
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Study Notes
Physical Effects of Stress
- The body reacts to stress with the fight-or-flight response, which mobilizes body resources to fight off or escape from a perceived threat.
- This response causes changes in several body systems, including:
- Nervous system: alerts the brain when the body experiences particular sensations, such as touch and pain.
- Endocrine system: releases hormones that lead to an increase in glucose and fatty acids, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, immune disorders, obesity, and depression.
- Cardiovascular system: increases heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.
- Immune system: reduces the body's ability to fight off infections, making people more likely to get sick.
- Digestive system: causes changes that lead to nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and inflammation.
- Reproductive system: decreases sex hormones, leading to lower levels of sperm in males, restricted ovulation in females, and decreased sexual arousal and fertility.
Mental and Emotional Effects
- Stress can cause:
- Cognitive effects: trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions.
- Emotional effects: negative feelings like nervousness, fear, anxiety, and anger.
- Stress-related disorders: acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Cognitive Effects
- Stress can cause:
- Trouble concentrating and remembering.
- Difficulty learning and paying attention.
- Physical injury due to lack of concentration.
Emotional Effects
- Stress can cause:
- Negative feelings like nervousness, fear, anxiety, and anger.
- Overwhelming emotions.
- People who experience chronic stress have a higher risk of mental illnesses, such as depression.
Effects of Stress
- Long-term stress can lead to:
- Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
- Impaired cognitive function, such as memory and concentration.
Stress-Related Disorders
- Acute stress disorder: begins immediately after the stressful event and lasts from three days to one month.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a stress-related disorder that develops in response to a traumatic event.
Intergenerational Transmission of Stress
- Stress can be passed on to future generations through epigenetic factors.
- Research has shown that children born after traumatic events to parents who experienced trauma have lower levels of cortisol than children who were not exposed to trauma.
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Description
This quiz covers the effects of stress on the body systems, cognitive functions, emotions, and behavior. It also explores the mental health conditions associated with stress.
