Stress and Stress-Related Disorders
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Questions and Answers

What hormone does CRH influence the secretion of?

  • Adrenaline
  • Insulin
  • Cortisol (correct)
  • Serotonin

The central nucleus of amygdala plays a role in emotional response.

True (A)

What genetic factor is associated with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD?

Val158Met polymorphism

Cortisol is known for its _ effect on the immune system.

<p>suppressing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following brain regions with their functions related to PTSD:

<p>Hippocampus = Contextual learning and memory Amygdala = Emotional responses Hypothalamus = Secretion of CRH Central nucleus of amygdala = Increased cortisol secretion</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence is mentioned as a result of an uncontrolled stress response?

<p>Muscle wasting and fatigue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does stress have on cortisol secretion?

<p>Increases it (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed role of the hippocampus in PTSD susceptibility?

<p>Distinguishing safe from dangerous contexts</p> Signup and view all the answers

The hippocampus plays a role in increasing cortisol levels in response to stress.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of chronic stress on the hippocampus?

<p>Reduction in dendritic branching</p> Signup and view all the answers

All traumatic experiences equally increase the likelihood of developing PTSD.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic stress is correlated with decreases in hippocampal-cell __________.

<p>proliferation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following effects with their corresponding stress-related impacts.

<p>Muscle wasting = Inhibition of growth hormone Immune suppression = Increased chances of infection Gastrointestinal shutdown = Reduced nutrient intake Reduced neurogenesis = Decreased mental efficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a function of SSRIs like fluoxetine?

<p>Increase neuron generation in the hippocampus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible effect of growing up in harsh family environments?

<p>Overreaction to mild stressors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exposure to violence and living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods contribute to chronic stress.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stress enhances mental efficiency and memory performance.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the four lines of defense the body has against microorganisms.

<p>Immune system</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hippocampus play in the brain?

<p>Learning and memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Early life stress can potentially lead to chronic _____ profile marked by inflammation.

<p>immune</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders has been associated with negative childhood experiences?

<p>Heart Disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Maternal nurturance in high poverty environments can be protective against health risks.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following effects with their associated keywords:

<p>Cortisol responses = Health risks Parental nurturance = Protection against stress Chronic inflammation = Heightened immune response Overreaction = Emotional dysregulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Long-term exposure to glucocorticoids destroys neurons in the CA1 field of the ______.

<p>hippocampal formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the prefrontal cortex play in emotional reactions for people without PTSD?

<p>Inhibits amygdala activity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

People with PTSD show greater activation of the prefrontal cortex when exposed to fearful faces.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What treatment strategy involves administering cortisol to patients immediately after experiencing trauma?

<p>Preventative pharmacological therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

The amygdala is responsible for __________ reactions in people with PTSD.

<p>emotional</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pharmacological strategy was found to be effective in reducing the likelihood of developing PTSD?

<p>Administering propranolol immediately after trauma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following treatments with their purpose:

<p>Cortisol = Reduces HPA axis activity Propranolol = Blocks beta adrenergic receptors GABAergic activity enhancement = Calming neural response Catecholamine blockers = Manage stress hormones</p> Signup and view all the answers

Controversy exists over the ethical implications of preventing memory consolidation in PTSD treatment.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two hormones that led to the blocking strategy discussed for PTSD treatment?

<p>Epinephrine and norepinephrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom of chronic stress?

<p>Irritability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic stress can lead to physical problems such as heart disease.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three primary emotions associated with stress?

<p>Anger, anxiety, depression</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic stress can adversely affect ________ in caregivers.

<p>wound healing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the stress symptoms with their correct descriptions:

<p>Muscular problems = Tension headaches and back pain Transient overarousal = Elevated heart rate and blood pressure Emotional distress = Anger, anxiety, and depression Stomach problems = Heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does chronic stress have on the body's stress response system?

<p>It leads to constant activation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Early life adversity has no effect on health in adulthood.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one health issue linked to chronic stress.

<p>High blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to stress?

<p>Epinephrine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Norepinephrine only functions as a stress hormone and is not involved as a neurotransmitter in the brain.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What axis relates to the stress response and involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex?

<p>Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis</p> Signup and view all the answers

The release of __________ stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids.

<p>adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following hormones with their functions:

<p>Epinephrine = Increases blood flow and glucose availability Norepinephrine = Contributes to blood pressure elevation Cortisol = Regulates glucose metabolism Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) = Stimulates ACTH release</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone primarily affects glucose metabolism and promotes energy availability during stress?

<p>Cortisol (A), Epinephrine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) only acts in the pituitary gland.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the autonomic nervous system is activated in the stress response?

<p>Sympathetic nervous system</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Acute Stress

Short-term stress that doesn't last long enough to cause lasting, serious damage to the body.

Chronic Stress

A state of prolonged stress with potentially damaging effects on physical and mental health.

Stress Response System

The body's natural response to stress, involving physiological changes like increased heart rate and alertness.

Adverse Effects of Stress

The negative effects of chronic stress on the body, often manifesting as physical and emotional problems.

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Stress Emotions

The three primary emotions associated with stress: anger/irritability, anxiety, and depression.

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Kiecolt-Glaser Study

A study that demonstrates the negative impact of chronic stress on wound healing.

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Early Life Adversity

The negative effects of early childhood stress on both short-term and long-term health.

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Chronic Stress and Health Risks

The potential for chronic stress to trigger health problems like heart disease and diabetes in individuals with predisposed risk factors.

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Hippocampus and Stress Response

The hippocampus plays a crucial role in shutting down the stress response by regulating cortisol levels.

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Vicious Cycle of Stress

Prolonged stress damage to the hippocampus can lead to a cycle of increasing cortisol levels as the hippocampus is unable to effectively regulate them.

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Neurogenesis and Stress

Stress can reduce the production and survival of new neurons in the hippocampus, affecting memory and mental efficiency.

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Stress and Hippocampus

Stress has been shown to impact the hippocampus in various ways, including reducing dendritic branching, inhibiting neurogenesis, altering synaptic structure, and impairing hippocampus-dependent tasks.

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Antidepressants and Neurogenesis

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, stimulate serotonin production and increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus, suggesting a potential link between their therapeutic effects and neurogenesis.

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Body's Defense Mechanisms

The human body has four lines of defense against microorganisms.

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Microorganisms and the Body

Microorganisms thrive in the warm and nutrient-rich environment of the human body.

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Importance of Defense Mechanisms

The body's defense systems are crucial for maintaining health and preventing infections and diseases.

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Allostatic Load

Chronic or repeated stress can disrupt the body's stress response system, leading to a higher risk of developing diseases over time.

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Early Life Stress

Early life stressors, including poverty, violence, and harsh family environments, can negatively impact a child's development and increase their risk of health issues later in life.

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Emotional Dysregulation

Children from risky families may struggle to understand and regulate their own emotions, leading to exaggerated responses to stress.

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Heightened Sympathetic Reactivity

Experiencing early stress can lead to changes in the body's stress response system, including increased stress hormone production, making individuals more susceptible to illness.

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Hippocampal Degeneration

The hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and memory, can be damaged by chronic stress, contributing to memory loss as we age.

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Glucocorticoid-Induced Neuron Damage

Glucocorticoids, stress hormones, can damage neurons in the hippocampus by reducing glucose uptake and glutamate reuptake, making them more vulnerable to damage.

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Glutamate and NMDA Receptors

Increased extracellular glutamate, a brain chemical, can cause calcium to enter neurons through NMDA receptors, potentially damaging them.

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Reversible Effects

While the long-term effects of early life stress are not fully understood, some factors, like supportive parenting, can help mitigate the negative impacts.

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What is the SAM system?

The Sympatho-Adrenomedullary (SAM) system is a rapid stress response system that involves the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal medulla. When faced with stress, the hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system, which stimulates the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) into the bloodstream.

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What is the role of epinephrine?

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to stress. It primarily affects glucose metabolism, making stored nutrients in muscles available as energy for quick action.

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What is the role of norepinephrine?

Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) is another hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to stress. It mainly increases heart output, leading to increased blood flow to muscles and a rise in blood pressure.

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What is the HPA axis?

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical (HPA) axis is a slower and more prolonged stress response system, involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex.

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What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex in response to stress, primarily controlled by the HPA axis. It affects glucose metabolism, breaking down protein and making fats available for energy.

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What is the role of the hypothalamus in the HPA axis?

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) within the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in response to stress.

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What is CRH?

CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) is released by the hypothalamus and stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

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What is ACTH?

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is released by the pituitary gland in response to CRH. It travels to the adrenal cortex and stimulates the release of cortisol.

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Stress and Immune Suppression

The brain's stress response, involving the release of cortisol, can suppress the immune system.

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Amygdala's Role in Stress Response

The amygdala, a part of the brain involved in fear responses, plays a crucial role in triggering the stress response and subsequent immune suppression.

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PTSD Risk Factors

The likelihood of developing PTSD is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

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COMT Gene and PTSD

Individuals with a specific variant of the COMT gene, which breaks down stress hormones, are more likely to develop PTSD.

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Hippocampus Size and PTSD

A smaller hippocampus, involved in contextual memory, might predispose individuals to PTSD.

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Hippocampus and Context Learning

The hippocampus helps us distinguish safe from dangerous environments by associating specific places with experiences.

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Hippocampus, Amygdala and PTSD

A traumatic event might trigger an emotional response when the hippocampus recognizes a similar situation or person, activating the amygdala.

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Hippocampus and Avoidance Learning

The hippocampus helps us learn to avoid dangerous situations by associating specific places with negative experiences.

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Amygdala and PTSD

The amygdala is responsible for intense emotional reactions, particularly fear, in people with PTSD.

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Prefrontal Cortex and PTSD

The prefrontal cortex typically regulates the amygdala's activity, preventing excessive fear responses. In PTSD, this regulation is impaired.

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Brain Activity in PTSD

PTSD is characterized by exaggerated amygdala responses to threat cues and reduced prefrontal cortex activity.

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Cortisol Treatment for PTSD

Giving cortisol to trauma survivors immediately after the event can reduce the risk of developing PTSD.

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Blocking Stress Hormones for PTSD

Drugs that block stress hormones (like epinephrine) or enhance GABA activity can also help prevent PTSD.

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Propranolol and PTSD

Administering propranolol after trauma might help prevent the development of PTSD.

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Memory Consolidation and PTSD

Preventing memory consolidation of traumatic events is a promising approach to treat PTSD.

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Drug-Based PTSD Prevention

Early intervention with drugs that modulate the stress response may be a viable approach to prevent PTSD.

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Study Notes

  • Stress is a biological and psychological response to a perceived threat.
  • A stressor is the stimulus (e.g., exam, divorce, loss of job) that causes stress.
  • Stress perception is subjective
  • Stress can be helpful in emergencies or meeting deadlines.
  • Stress hormones help the body respond to challenges.
  • Stress is usually temporary, and the body returns to normal after the challenge.
  • Prolonged stress can negatively affect physical and mental health and behavior.

Physiology of the Stress Response

  • Hans Selye described stress as having a dual nature.
  • Short-term stress produces adaptive changes that help the body.
  • Long-term stress can create maladaptive changes.
  • Both physical and psychological stressors trigger similar general stress responses.
  • Stress responses are complex and vary depending on the individual, the event, and timing.
  • The stress response involves the brain, sympathetic nervous system, and adrenal glands.
  • The system releases hormones such as glucocorticoids, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Physiology of Stress

  • The sympatho-adrenomedullary (SAM) system is a fast-acting response to stress.
  • The hypothalamus triggers the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
  • Epinephrine affects glucose metabolism for energy use.
  • Norepinephrine increases blood flow to muscles and raises blood pressure.
  • The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis is a slow-acting response.
  • The hypothalamus releases CRH, stimulating the pituitary gland to release ACTH.
  • ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol (a glucocorticoid).

Two Pathways Activated During Stress Response

  • The HPA axis involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex.
  • This releases corticosteroids such as cortisol.
  • These help convert stored energy and regulate the immune system.
  • The SAM system involves the hypothalamus and adrenal medulla.
  • This releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, triggering rapid responses.

Sympathetic Adrenal-Medullary System

  • The SAM system responds rapidly to stress.
  • The hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system stimulate the adrenal medulla.
  • Epinephrine and norepinephrine are released into the circulatory system.
  • Epinephrine affects glucose metabolism, making stored energy available for use.
  • Norepinephrine increases blood flow to muscles and raises blood pressure.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

  • The HPA axis activates slowly in response to stressful situations.
  • The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
  • CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
  • ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.
  • Cortisol increases energy availability, regulates immune function and stimulates behavioral responses.

Allostatic Load

  • Allostatic load is the cumulative wear and tear on the body from chronic stress.
  • It involves the physiological costs of repeated or chronic stress.
  • Indicators of allostatic load may include:
    • Decreased cell-mediated immunity
    • Inability to regulate cortisol levels
    • Low heart rate variability
    • Elevated epinephrine
    • High waist-to-hip ratio
    • Hippocampal volume reduction
    • Elevated plasma fibrinogen
    • Elevated blood pressure

Hippocampus

  • The hippocampal formation plays a critical role in learning and memory.
  • Long-term stress exposure can destroy neurons in the hippocampus's CA1 field.
  • This neuronal destruction may contribute to memory problems.

Vicious Cycle of Stress

  • The brain turns stress on and off.
  • Sustained stress leads to energy depletion, muscle wasting, immune suppression, growth inhibition, and reduced reproductive function.
  • The hippocampus regulates cortisol levels but can be damaged via prolonged high levels.

Neurogenesis

  • New neurons may replace old ones, but their survival can be affected by experience.
  • Stress can reduce hippocampal neurogenesis, potentially impairing memory and cognitive functions.
  • Antidepressants may increase neurogenesis and improve mental function.

Stress Response Physiology

  • The amygdala is activated in stressful situations
  • The prefrontal cortex can help regulate the stress response(e.g. helping to distinguish safe contexts from dangerous contexts).
  • The hypothalamus triggers a fast-acting "fight or flight" response via the sympathetic nervous system
  • The hypothalamus also triggers a slow-acting response via the HPA axis.

PTSD and Treatment

  • PTSD is a disorder that develops in response to traumatic events.
  • Some prevention strategies include administering cortisol immediately after a traumatic event..
  • Other methods involve blocking stress hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine) and enhancing GABAergic activity.
  • Attempts may also include preventing the reconsolidation of memories.

PTSD

  • PTSD symptoms may include recurring memories or flashbacks of traumatic events, and avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma.
  • PTSD development depends on genetic and environmental factors.
  • Smaller hippocampal sizes may be a predisposing factor for PTSD development.
  • The amygdala can be activated by cues that resemble past traumatic situations
  • The hippocampus could distinguish between contexts; helping with the processing of emotionally triggering events.
  • Dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex can also impact emotional reactions to the trauma.

Psychoneuroimmunology

  • The body has behavioral, surface barrier, innate, and adaptive immunes systems.
  • Stress can negatively affect the immune system.

Stress and the Immune System

  • High cortisol levels can diminish the body's ability to fight off infections.
  • Chronic stress can lower immunity and increase susceptibility to infections and diseases.
  • The immune system encompasses WBCs, T-cells (developing in bone marrow and thymus).
  • T-cell response depends on cytokine molecules.
  • Cortisol directly inhibits T-cell proliferation.

Explanation for Stress's Impact on Infection Susceptibility

  • Stress causes increased cortisol secretion which directly suppressing the immune response.
  • This can lead to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
  • The brain's regions, such as the hypothalamus and amygdala, also play a key role in triggering emotional responses and the stress response.

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Stress Lecture PDF

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of stress and its physiological responses as described by Hans Selye. Participants will learn about various stressors, the body's adaptive and maladaptive responses to stress, and the implications of prolonged stress on health. Enhance your understanding of stress-related disorders through this engaging quiz.

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