ch 7.docx

Describe the body’s physiological response to stress. The body's physiological response to stress involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which mobilizes our "fight or flight" response. This response involves the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which i...

Describe the body’s physiological response to stress. The body's physiological response to stress involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which mobilizes our "fight or flight" response. This response involves the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, and cause the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream for energy. Hans Selye theorized that the body goes through several stages in response to sustained stress, including an alarm response to immediate danger or threat, a stage of resistance in which we mobilize various coping mechanisms to respond to the stress, and finally, a stage of exhaustion in which our bodies suffer permanent damage or death. This sequence is known as the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). The body's response to stress involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight." This response includes increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released, causing the liver to release glucose for energy. Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes the body going through stages in response to sustained stress: alarm (response to immediate danger), resistance (mobilizing coping mechanisms), and exhaustion (leading to permanent damage or death). The Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenocortical (HPA) axis is activated, leading to the release of neuropeptides and neurohormones like corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and cortisol. These hormones play a crucial role in the stress response. How might social hierarchy influence stress response? Social hierarchy can influence stress response in several ways. Studies have shown that individuals who occupy higher positions in a social hierarchy tend to have lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol than those who occupy lower positions. This is because individuals in higher positions have a greater sense of control and predictability in their lives, which allows them to cope with problems and maintain physical health. Conversely, individuals in lower positions in the social hierarchy tend to have higher levels of stress hormones and suffer the symptoms of stress because they have little control over access to food, resting places, and mates. In fact, studies of baboons have shown that subordinate animals have higher levels of cortisol than dominant animals due to continual bullying from the dominant animals and less access to resources. Therefore, social hierarchy can have a significant impact on stress response and overall health. Individuals in higher positions in social hierarchies tend to have lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol, due to a greater sense of control and predictability in their lives, which helps them cope with problems and maintain health. Conversely, individuals in lower positions experience higher levels of stress hormones and symptoms of stress because they have less control over resources. Studies on baboons showed that subordinate baboons have higher cortisol levels due to continual bullying and limited access to resources, leading to health issues like immune system suppression and heart disease. Describe operant control of pain. Operant control of pain refers to the phenomenon in which social consequences influence how we experience pain. For example, family members who were formerly critical and demanding may become caring and sympathetic, which can help to reduce the experience of pain. Conversely, negative social consequences such as criticism or punishment can increase the experience of pain. This phenomenon is called operant control because the behavior of experiencing pain seems to be under the control of social consequences. However, the relationship between social consequences and the amount of pain being experienced is uncertain. Therefore, operant control of pain is a complex phenomenon that involves the interplay of social and psychological factors. Operant control of pain refers to the phenomenon where social consequences influence how we experience pain. Positive social consequences, like care and sympathy from family members, can reduce the experience of pain. Conversely, negative social consequences like criticism or punishment can increase the experience of pain. The relationship between these social consequences and the amount of pain experienced is complex and involves interplay of social and psychological factors. Describe the Stanford Three Community Study? And What were the findings? The Stanford Three Community Study was a research study conducted in the 1970s that aimed to reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in three communities in central California. The study was conducted over a period of three years and involved introducing positive behaviors such as smoking cessation, high blood pressure control, dietary changes, and weight reduction in two of the communities, while the third community served as a control group. The study was unique in that it focused on entire communities rather than individual participants. The findings of the study were that the two communities that received interventions showed significant reductions in risk factors for CHD compared to the control group. For example, the community that received intensive instruction showed a 25% reduction in smoking rates, a 10% reduction in blood pressure, and a 20% reduction in cholesterol levels. The study also found that the interventions were most effective when they were tailored to the specific needs of each community. Overall, the Stanford Three Community Study was a groundbreaking study that demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing risk factors for CHD. The Stanford Three Community Study, conducted in the 1970s, aimed to reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in three California communities. It was unique for focusing on entire communities rather than individuals. Two communities received interventions like smoking cessation, blood pressure control, dietary changes, and weight reduction, while the third served as a control. The study found significant reductions in CHD risk factors in the intervention communities, with notable reductions in smoking rates, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored community-based interventions. What are the leading causes of death now? What about 100 years ago? According to the sources provided, the leading causes of death have changed significantly over the past 100 years. In 1900, the three leading causes of death in the United States were pneumonia and influenza, tuberculosis, and diarrhea, enteritis, and ulceration of the intestines. In contrast, the three leading causes of death in 2010 were heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease. Other leading causes of death in 2010 included stroke, accidents, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Therefore, while infectious diseases were the leading causes of death in 1900, chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer are now the leading causes of death in the United States. In 1900, the leading causes of death in the U.S. were infectious diseases like pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal infections. In 2010, chronic diseases became the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory diseases, with additional significant causes like stroke, accidents, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. This shift from infectious to chronic diseases is attributed to public health improvements and changes in lifestyle factors. The change in leading causes of death over the century reflects advancements in medical science and changes in lifestyle and environmental factors. DEFINITIONS: Behavioral Medicine: An interdisciplinary field that applies knowledge about human thoughts, emotions, and activities, integrating behavioral and biomedical sciences to prevent, diagnose, and treat medical problems. It focuses on the interaction of behavior, psychosocial factors, and biomedical science to promote health and prevent illness. Example: A doctor recommending exercise and stress management techniques to a patient with high blood pressure, combining medical and behavioral approaches for better health. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS): A sequence of reactions to sustained stress, described by Hans Selye, comprising three stages: alarm (initial reaction to stress), resistance (body's adaptation and coping), and exhaustion (resulting in permanent damage or death if stress continues). This model suggests that the body responds to stress in a predictable way, with physiological changes that help it cope with stressors. Example: Imagine your body as a battery. Under stress, it goes from fully charged (alarm), to using energy to cope (resistance), and finally running out of power (exhaustion). Autoimmune Disease: Conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, perceiving them as foreign invaders. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. This misdirected immune response can lead to various diseases, depending on the tissues or organs targeted. Example: It's like your body's security system (immune system) mistakenly identifying your own cells as intruders and attacking them, leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Endogenous Opioids: Natural substances within the body, including endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins, that function like neurotransmitters to reduce pain sensation, even in the presence of significant tissue damage. These internal painkillers bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, playing a role in pain management and psychological conditions like eating disorders and stress reactions. Example: These are like your body's natural pain relief team, similar to painkillers, but produced internally to reduce pain sensations. Stroke/Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA): Occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel, leading to brain damage. Symptoms can include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty with speech or understanding, and vision problems. Strokes can result in temporary or permanent brain damage and loss of functioning. Example: Picture a traffic jam in the brain's blood vessels. This blockage stops normal blood flow, leading to brain damage and symptoms like paralysis or speech difficulties. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): A condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and heart attacks. CHD includes conditions like angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, ischemia, and myocardial infarction. Example: Imagine the heart's blood supply roads (arteries) getting narrow or blocked, making it hard for the heart to get the blood it needs, leading to chest pain or heart attacks. Psychoneuroimmunology: The study of interactions between the nervous system, immune system, and psychological processes. It explores how factors like stress, emotions, and behavior affect the immune system and the body's ability to fight disease, encompassing a broad range of interactions in health and illness. Example: This is like a conference call between your brain, immune system, and emotions, discussing how your feelings and thoughts can impact your body's disease defense system. Hypertension: Also known as high blood pressure, it is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is too high, potentially causing arterial damage and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. It can be due to various factors, including lifestyle and genetic predispositions. Example: Think of this as your blood moving through your body's pipelines (arteries) at a higher pressure than normal, which can wear out the pipes and cause health issues. Sympathetic Nervous System: Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response to stress. It controls involuntary functions like heart rate and blood pressure, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones to prepare the body to respond to perceived threats. Example: It's like your body's emergency response team, activating the "fight or flight" mode in stressful situations, increasing heart rate and preparing you to face the challenge. Parasympathetic Nervous System: Also part of the autonomic nervous system, it works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for the "rest and digest" response. It helps the body relax and recover after stressful events, promoting restorative processes and digestion. Example: Consider this as your body's relaxation crew, helping you to calm down and recover after a stressful event, promoting rest and digestion. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Behavioral Medicine: Behavioral medicine is an interdisciplinary field that applies knowledge about human thoughts, emotions, and activities to prevent, diagnose, and treat medical problems. It involves the integration of behavioral and biomedical sciences to promote health and prevent illness. Example: A doctor recommending exercise and stress management techniques to a patient with high blood pressure, combining medical and behavioral approaches for better health. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS): The general adaptation syndrome is a sequence of reactions to sustained stress described by Hans Selye. These stages are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, which may lead to death. The GAS model suggests that the body responds to stress in a predictable way, with a series of physiological changes that help the body cope with stress. Example: Imagine your body as a battery. Under stress, it goes from fully charged (alarm), to using energy to cope (resistance), and finally running out of power (exhaustion). Autoimmune Disease: Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, mistaking them for foreign invaders. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Example: It's like your body's security system (immune system) mistakenly identifying your own cells as intruders and attacking them, leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Endogenous Opioids: Endogenous opioids are natural painkillers produced by the body. They include substances such as endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins, which bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain. Example: These are like your body's natural pain relief team, similar to painkillers, but produced internally to reduce pain sensations. Stroke/Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA): A stroke, also known as a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel. This can cause brain damage and a range of symptoms, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and vision problems. Example: Picture a traffic jam in the brain's blood vessels. This blockage stops normal blood flow, leading to brain damage and symptoms like paralysis or speech difficulties. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and heart attacks. Example: Imagine the heart's blood supply roads (arteries) getting narrow or blocked, making it hard for the heart to get the blood it needs, leading to chest pain or heart attacks. Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the interactions between the nervous system, the immune system, and psychological processes. It explores how psychological factors such as stress, emotions, and behavior can affect the immune system and the body's ability to fight disease. Example: This is like a conference call between your brain, immune system, and emotions, discussing how your feelings and thoughts can impact your body's disease defense system. Hypertension: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This can cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Example: Think of this as your blood moving through your body's pipelines (arteries) at a higher pressure than normal, which can wear out the pipes and cause health issues. Sympathetic Nervous System: The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response to stress, which involves the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that prepare the body to respond to a threat. Example: It's like your body's emergency response team, activating the "fight or flight" mode in stressful situations, increasing heart rate and preparing you to face the challenge. Parasympathetic Nervous System: The parasympathetic nervous system is also part of the autonomic nervous system and works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, which helps the body to relax and recover after a stressful event. Example: Consider this as your body's relaxation crew, helping you to calm down and recover after a stressful event, promoting rest and digestion.