Stress

• Stress is an emotional response to situations or threats. These threats may be physical or psychological.
• The short term stress response is the sympathomedullary pathway.


  The SNS in the ANS is alerted when a stressor is perceived. A signal is sent via the CNS to two endocrine glands. The adrenal medulla responds by releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline. These circulate and affect key organs, preparing the body for fight or flight
• The long-term stress response is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.

  The hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) into the bloodstream which causes the pituitary gland to produce and release ACTH. This stimulates the adrenal cortex to release various stress-related hormones such as cortisol.
• Cortisol has some positive effects such as lower sensitivity to pain and quick bursts of energy through the release of glucose. However, it can lead to impaired cognitive performance and lower immune response.
• Seyle's research led him to conclude that when animals are exposed to unpleasant stimuli, they display a universal stress response. He called this the general adaptation syndrone.
• General adaptation got its name because it is general to every animal having the same response. Adaptation because the body is adapting to stressful situations and syndrome because there are several symptoms.
• Stage one of general adaptation syndrome is alarm when a threat or stressor is recognised and fight or flight begins.
• Stage two of general adaptation syndrome is resistance where the body finds ways of coping and resources are gradually depleted.
• Stage 3 of general adaptation syndrome is exhaustion when the body cannot maintain normal functioning.
• Cardiovascular disorders are any disorders of the heart and circulatory system as well as strokes.
• Chronic stress produces plaque formation in the cardiovascular system
• Stress levels may increase blood cholesterol levels due to the actions of adrenaline and the release of fatty acids. This cholesterol clumps leading to clots and narrowing of arteries.
• Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of psychological effects on the immune system.
• Persistent production of cortisol when stressed impairs the functioning of the immune system by interfering with antibody production.
• Type A personalities are characterized as competitive, achievement orientated, urgent, hostile and aggressive.
• Type B personality is characterized as being patient, relaxed, and easy-going. Associated with a decreased risk of of stress-related illnesses.
• Type C personalities suppress their emotions and are unassertive, likeable people who are helpful and rarely argue.
• Friedman and Rosenman (1959) came up with two different personality types: type A and B.
• Life changes are major events in a person's life that require significant adjustment and are sources of stress.
• Daily hassles are minor events that arise during a normal day and involve everyday concerns.
• Accumulation is constant and persistent daily stressors which can overload an individual.
• Amplification is chronic stress due to life changes making people vulnerable to daily hassles.
• Delongis et al (1982) came up with the Hassles and Uplifts scale.
• The job strain model combines the two key workplace stressors. It believes that stress and illness are caused by high workload and low job control.
• Stress caused £6.5 billion lost in 2012 for the days lost and £22.5 billion for healthcare.
• Job control is the extent to which a person feels they can manage aspects of their work
• Workload/ job demand is the amount of effort involved in a job.
• Workplace stress are aspects of the working environment that cause a stress response in our body.
• Skin conductance is where electrical activity is stimulated because of wet skin.
• Eccrine sweat glands are glands which are particularly responsive to emotional stimuli and are found in the palms and soles of the feet.
• Skin conductance response is measured by 2 electrodes placed on the index and middle finger, and applying 0.5v and measuring the flows. Measured in microsiemens.
• Hardiness is a style of personality or trait which allows someone to deal with the negative effects of stress more effectively.
• Benzodiazepines are the most common drug treatment, working by slowing down the activity of the CNS. They enhance the action of the neurotransmitter GABA. It has a quietening effect by reacting with GABA receptors. This creates a channel that increases the flow of chloride ions, making it more difficult for the post-synaptic neuron, slowing down activity, calming and relaxing.
• Beta-blockers block sites that are normally activated by adrenaline which have an immediate effect on heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and sweating. BBs bind to the receptor cells of the heart and other organs which prevents adrenaline from having such a strong impact.
• Anti-anxiety drugs can also be used to treat CHD. Stage performers also take these types of drugs to enhance performance and athletes for accuracy.
• Stress inoculation training is a type of CBT to help to develop methods of coping before stress and changes the way they think about stressors.
• Stage 1 of stress inoculation therapy is conceptualisation where the therapist and patient investigate sources of stress and are taught to see these are problems that can be overcome.
• Stage 2 of SIT is skills acquisition, rehearsal, and consolidation where coping skills are taught and practiced then rehearsed in the real world. Skills are selected to match the client's needs.
• Stage 3 of SIT is application and follow-through where clients are given opportunities to apply the coping mechanisms to different situations. Booster or follow-up sessions are offered.
• Biofeedback combines both biological symptoms like blood pressure and psychological approaches such as conditioning and rewards. It helps to learn to control involuntary behaviors by being made aware of what is happening in the ANS.