University:
Boston University
Course:
CAS CS 200 | Computer Science Workshops
Academic year:

2024
Views:

143

Pages:

2
Author:

Skye S.

Stress disrupts homeostasis, which is the maintenance of a stable environment in the body. It can be either positive (eustress) or negative (distress), and can be triggered by psychological, physical, or physiological stimuli. Chronic stress has been linked to various health issues such as diminished immunity, cancer, heart disease, and depression. Bullet points Hans Seyle's General Adaptation Syndrome ● ● Universal physiological changes in response to any kind of stressor Consists of three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion Stages of General Adaptation Syndrome ● ● ● Phase 1: Alarm reaction - increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, stress hormone release Phase 2: Resistance - mobilize resources, cope with stressor Phase 3: Exhaustion - reserves depleted, chronic stress impacts overall health Effects of the Autonomic Nervous System ● ● Sympathetic Nervous System (Adrenergic): increased heart rate, vasoconstriction of peripheral arteries, bronchodilation, pupil dilation, decreased blood flow to gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) systems Parasympathetic Nervous System (Cholinergic): decreased heart rate, vasodilation of peripheral arteries, bronchoconstriction, pupil constriction, increased blood flow to GI and GU systems Exhaustion Stage ● ● ● Response to stressors cannot be maintained Stress overwhelms the body, leading to feelings of being rundown, overwhelmed, and unable to cope Chronic stress adversely impacts overall health Long-term Effects of Stress ● ● ● Cortisol suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk for infection Chronic stress can lead to decreased activity of white blood cells, decreased immunity, and increased susceptibility to infection Long-term cortisol release can cause decreased activity of skeletal muscles, increased blood pressure, and decreased activity of white blood cells McEwen's Stress Response Theory ● ● ● ● ● Developed by McEwen in the 1990s Attempts to explain long-term stress and its effects on the body Allostasis: dynamic state of balance in response to stressor Allostatic overload: frequent stressors change physiological balance and create new setpoints, leading to maladaptation to stress Healthy lifestyle habits and strong adaptive capacity can help maintain allostasis Allostatic overload: Overactivation of adaptive systems ● Highly individualized Allostasis: ADAPTATION ● ● New (altered) set point Homeostatic recovery Allostatic load: Defined as wear and tear on body systems caused by stress reactions ● ● Due to both the stressor and the individual's ability to respond Cumulative, noxious effect of hormones and catecholamines in prolonged stress