Stress
Effects on the Body
Stress has numerous short term effects on the body (the “Fight or Flight” response). Excessive stress can result in long term damage (nerve cell loss, effects on immune system, possible cancer, etc.). Minor amounts of stress can actually improve performance, but significant arousal decreases attention and increases nonproductive thinking.
Short Term Effects:
The stress response is complex and involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, from which adrenalin and corticosteroids are released.
Adrenalin makes energy available, accelerates pulse rate, elevates blood pressure, increases rate of blood circulation, and stimulates the central nervous system.
Corticosteroids affect inflammation, the immune reaction, lymph nodes, blood cells, and glucose production.
Stress response has three phases: alarm reaction, adaptation, and exhaustion.
Long Term Effects:
Gastrointestinal: peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea or constipation.
Muscular: tension headaches, neck and back pain, chronic muscle aches.
Cardiovascular: hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke.
Immune System: upper respiratory problems, asthma, hay fever.
Dermatological: dermatitis, eczema, acne
Nervous System: destruction of neurons in hippocampus, possible precursor to Alzheimer’s Disease.
