The effects of chronic stress on the body

Contributors
David McQuillan (2008). Otago Polytechnic

The fight or flight response is designed to combat short-term stressors. Short-term stress and recovery from stress is managed well by negative feedback cycles, because cortisol inhibits the production of cortiocosteroid-releasing hormone. (Marieb, 2004)

When a stressor is chronic, these feedback cycles are thought to break down resulting in neurotransmitter and hormonal imbalances. In the modern environment many stressors are emotional/mental in nature, and stress can become constant, having many detrimental effects.

Long-term effects of ephinephrine (adrenaline)

 * Decreased immune response
 * Altered protein & fat metabolism
 * Increased chance of high blood pressure
 * Decreased digestion
 * Inhibited tissue repair

Long-term effects of Cortisol & Glucocorticoids

 * Muscle & connective tissue wastage
 * Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar level)
 * Suppression of the immune response
 * Suppression of healing
 * Damage to the hippocampus. In two studies Vietnam vets & women exposed to sexual abuse displayed up to 8% shrinkage of the hippocampus. It's not known if this is reversible. (Simon, 2006)

Effects of chronic stress on the cardiovascular system

 * Increased strength & speed of heartbeat
 * Hypertension
 * Strain on the heart
 * Thickening & narrowing of arteries
 * Enlargement of the heart (resulting in increased work, less able to maintain proper blood flow, fatigue )
 * Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar)
 * High cholesterol

Effects of chronic stress on the musculo-skeletal system

 * Muscular reactivity
 * Chronic muscular tension and pain
 * Migraine and tension headaches
 * Exaggeration of reflexive postural patterns
 * Bone demineralisation

Effects of chronic stress on the digestive tract

 * Gastritis
 * Stomach & duodenal ulcers
 * Stomach pain
 * Obesity
 * Colitis
 * Irritable bowel syndrome

Effects of chronic stress on the reproductive system

 * Infertility
 * Menstrual disorders
 * Impotence or premature ejaculation
 * Loss of libido

Effects of chronic stress on the urinary system

 * Bladder urgency
 * Incontinence

Effects of chronic stress on the immune system

 * Allergies
 * Increased susceptibility to illness such as common cold
 * Autoimmune conditions (Diabetes type 1, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis)

Effects of Chronic Stress on metabolism

 * Metabolic Disorder
 * Diabetes

Effects of chronic stress on the respiratory system

 * Asthma symptoms often worsen under mental or emotional stress
 * Hyperventilation
 * Breathing pattern disorder