The effects of chronic stress on the body
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Contents
- 1 Contributors
- 2 Effects of Chronic Stress on the body
- 2.1 Effects of chronic stress on the cardiovascular system
- 2.2 Effects of chronic stress on the musculo-skeletal system
- 2.3 Effects of chronic stress on the digestive tract
- 2.4 Effects of chronic stress on the reproductive system
- 2.5 Effects of chronic stress on the urinary system
- 2.6 Effects of chronic stress on the immune system
- 2.7 Effects of Chronic Stress on metabolism
- 2.8 Effects of chronic stress on the respiratory system
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 body
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 )
- Strain on the heart
- 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