Existence of distinct links between psychological stressors and a persons’ overall health have been proven through various objective studies. The degree of the stress response can also be directly linked to the severity of its effects. Specific research indicates that stress is related to increased risk of improper immune system functioning, liver disease, and coronary artery disease.
When exposed to environmental threats, the body’s immune system carries out dynamic processes through the secretion of various chemicals and production of various kinds of cells, to maintain homeostasis. Whether the stressor is acute or chronic, research now indicates that psychological stress has a strong connection to immune system functioning, “through specific autonomic and neuroendocrine pathways.” In fact, “…the magnitude of the physiological response to an acute stressor is related to the objective intensity of the stressor” (Hawkley, & Cacioppo, 2003). The dynamic process begins with an acute, sequential, or chronic stressor; ranging from taking a test to being in an unhealthy relationship. The body’s immune system then reacts to that stressor by secreting neurotransmitters such as adrenaline and cortisol, to prepare the body to fight or flee. Even though this naturally occurring process is essential, frequent exposure to subjectively perceived stressors leads to alterations in the functions of certain cells of the immune system. These alterations ultimately result in an over or under reaction of immune system (Reeves, 2008). According to Reeves, physician and director of research and development, “… [an] over-reactive immune system can result in allergies, asthma, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune diseases” (Reeves, 2008). I...
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... also be argued as an indirect link as well. Stress is arguably linked to cigarette smoking, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, all of these can be considered indirect links that lead to a vicious cycle between the effect of stress and the use of stress-invoking coping mechanisms such as smoking.
Thus, chronic exposure to psychological stressors increases the risk of decreased proper immune system functioning, liver disease, and coronary artery disease. Through the use of objective studies, strong correlations between stress and an individual’s overall health have been shown. Understanding the implications of such research is important to ensure correct and effective treatments of illnesses and disorders are prescribed. Ultimately, recognition of personalized stressors and coping methods could lead individuals to an overall healthier life.
According to the Stress in America Survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, most Americans report feeling “moderate-to-high” stress levels with 44% of adults stating that their stress level has increased in the past 5 years (Stress, 2013). Stress is nearly unavoidable; a few major causes of stress include work, money, and the economy. Producing changes in many body systems, stress, in small amounts, is healthy, but excessive stress, when left untreated, can lead to anxiety and illness like increased heart rate and blood pressure and even altered immune function.
In the Unnatural Causes film, UC Berkley Professor and Epidemiologist, Leonard Syme, states that an important component of overall health is the “ability to influence the events that impinge on your life,” or another words, the means by which you are able to effectively manage the stressors in your life will greatly impact your health (2015). It is common knowledge that stress can negatively impact your health and the film points out that chronic stress affects the body by increasing cortisol levels, heart rate, blood pressure, circulating glucose levels and decreases the immune system’s response. All of this increases the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses (Smith, director, 2015). If we have power, control and
There is overwhelming evidence that daily stress may be harmful to the overall health of humans (Cohen, Tyrrell, and Smith, 1991; Glaser, Rice, and Sheridan, 1987; and Schleifer, and Keller, 1991). The mechanism by which stress influences health outcomes is thought to involve the immune system.
Stressors are both physiological and psychological demands placed on an individual from both internal and external environments that can disturb homeostasis. This disruption requires an action to return the body to a balance. Being able to recognize, understand, and cope with stress is critical to overall health and well being of an individual. The ability to cope with stress productively can alter the outcome of illness and prevent negative health outcomes altogether. Each person experiences and perceives stress differently both physiologically, psychologically, and can portray it differently externally. The way in which each person handles stress can influence the path for care they pursue if illness is present. In the absence of remedial
In the past thirty years there have been a significant number of studies done to establish a connection between psychological stress and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD refers to the negative change towards the normal process of the heart and blood vessel system (What Is Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease)?, online). Psychological stress is defined, but not limited to being a demanding condition in which the normal behavioral conditions are exceeded thus overwhelming the behavioral resources of the organism (Kamarck, 2012). In the world today it has been shown that the impacts of psychological, social, and environmental stressors from daily lives are increasing the physical well being of individuals. Two different types of stressors can attain cardiovascular responses: "acute major life stressors and chronic exposure to continuing stressors" (Dimsdale, 2008). A stressor is any condition which causes stress on an individual. One may be exposed to acute stressors during periods of intense stress that are not regular to one’s lifestyle. Those who are exposed to constant chronic stressors are at an increased risk for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke (Hojt, online). The increased levels of psychological stress present in individuals lives is providing for alarm due to the direct correlation it has with risk for cardiovascular disease.
The purpose of this paper is to define stress and how it effects the body's physiological systems. This paper will include the normal functions and organs involved in the following five physiological systems, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, immune and musculoskeletal. This paper will also include a description of a chronic illness associated with each physiological system and how the illness is affected by stress.
Health psychology regards psychological factors not only as possible consequences of illness but as contributing to it at all stages along the continuum from healthy through to being ill (Ogden, 2017). Daily stress involving conflicts, loneliness and financial crises can
Despite the many studies that have been done on the relationship between stress and health, the
This research paper concerns how individuals perceive stress and the serious effect on their psychological thought process and physical and mental health and how they can cope with their anxiety driven thoughts. Research was gathered using printed material obtained at the Syracuse Bird Library, and also using various online sources and scholarly journals. One printed source written by Frank Campbell addresses the health effects stress can have on an individual while author Richard Lazarus explores coping mechanisms individuals can use to attempt to get rid of the their stress. Author Bruce G. Charlton in his publication in the Journal of Medical Ethics, claims that stress is an empty word, with little value and explains the origin of the Stress. Robert Lazarus explains the concept of stress along with the ambiguity associated with the word. Ruth O’Hara explains what situations causes stress. While authors Carolyn Aldwin and Sandi Mann discuss coping and how to alleviate stress.
Stress does not directly causes infections or ill-health to a person. Instead, the products produced in the process of stress interfere with the usual operations of the immune system. Numerous studies have proved that stress has an immunosuppressive effect, which means the functions of the immune system is reduced when an individual is experience stress (Gross et al., 2008). Corticosteroids are initially produced during the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), they do not usually cause any harm to the immune system. However, if the presence of corticosteroids is prolonged in the blood due to chronic stress, they can interfere with the production of the antibodies leaving the body vulnerable to harmful virus and bacteria (Gross et al., 2008). As described in the G.A.S model by Selye, individuals might experience drastic changes in their body such as high blood pressures and heart rates in order to cope during the stressful situations. If these changes are prolonged, this could lead to permanent damage to the body (Bailey et al, 2008).
Stress can affect anyone at anytime and anyplace. What’s important to know is that stress can actually be good for you. It is only when stress reaches unimaginable levels that it hinders your progress and makes you feel frustrated and sad. When confronted with a stressful situation the human body retreats to its survival mode, known as the “fight or flight response”. It causes the release of steroids and adrenaline from various glands in the body. These hormones send our respiratory, cardio-vascular, abdominal, endocrine and nervous systems into overdrive.
John Dowling states in his book, The GREAT Brain Debate, “excessive stress, can predispose to neurodegenerative disease” (154). The idea is that a person can actually become sick from too much stress on them. When someone becomes stressed “an increased release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands” is released throughout the body (Dowling 154). If there is an excessive amount of stress on a person, a disproportionate amount of glucocorticoids are released, which could lead to severe damage (Dowling 154). Some of the effects that can be brought about by excessive stress are depression of the immune system, gastric ulcers, and high blood pressure (Dowling 154).
The last Stage number three, the stress has been going on for awhile now. Generally, this means the immune system, and the body's ability to resist disease, may be almost totally eliminated. Those who experience long-term stress may have heart attacks or severe infections due to reduced immunity.
Stress is “the body’s reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental, or emotional adjustment or response.” Many people realize that stress has a great impact on psychological health; however, they do not realize that physical health can be compromised as well. When the body is put under stress, physiological changes take place, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure. Many individuals do not know the extent to which stress can impact their bodies because they cannot see the changes taking place. If stress is prolonged, physical symptoms may begin to arise. These symptoms are real; however, they may or may not be due to some sort of physical disorder. Stress-induced anxiety may begin to form within the individual because of a constant fear that they have a serious medical condition. The cycle will repeat itself with potentially worsening symptoms.
Stress on individuals can bring numerous numbers of health problems, for example; heart disease. Researches have declared that having stress increase heart rate and blood flow, and causes release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the bloodstream. Another example is the Alzheimer’s disease, stress could potentially worsen Alzheimer’s disease causing its brain lesions to form more quickly. Individuals should be aware that being stressed could lead to major problems in the long run, but with the proper care and staying positive could help prevent further damages.