EFFECTS OF STRESS

Dr. P.Naina Mohamed PhDPharmacologist

HYPOTHALAMUS-PITUITARY-ADRENAL (HPA) AXIS IN STRESS

HypothalamusRelease of

corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF)

Release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from

Pituitary

Induction of Adrenal cortex to release the

stress hormones, particularly cortisol

Increases the availability of the body's fuel supply (carbohydrate, fat,

and glucose) needed to respond to stressToo long elevation of

cortisol levels leads to muscle break down,

decreased inflammatory response, and

suppression of the immune system

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF STRESS Tension Headache Back Ache Salivary secretion Diarrhoea Stomach Complaints Rapid Breathing Excessive Sweating Elevated Heart rate Increased Pulse rate Blood Pressure elevation Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes Erectile Dysfunction Infertility Irregular menstrual cycle Weakening of Immune System Sleep Deprivation Fatigue

TENSION HEADACHE

Emotional stress

Induce the contraction of

skeletal muscles of the head and

neck

Increased oxygen demand by tense

musclesBlood vessels

dilated to increase the blood flow to supply more

oxygen

Tension headache

BACK ACHEThreatening Situations

Bach ache

SALIVARY SECRETION

During stressful situations, the salivary secretion may either be increased or decreased.

The researchers categorized the individuals as…

Assertive Persons – Secret large amounts of saliva.

Passive Persons – Secret markedly decreased amounts of saliva.

DIARRHOEA

Stress

Too much stimulation of the gastrocolic reflex

Diarrhoea

STOMACH COMPLAINTS

Stressful experiences

Unsatisfied tensions

Stomach complaints (Abdominal pain, heaviness in the

stomach, nausea, indigestion,

vomiting, etc.)

RAPID BREATHINGStress

Stimulation of Respiratory centre

Increased rate of breathing to maintain the required level of carbonic acid in the blood

EXCESSIVE SWEATING

Stress Increased sympathetic

activity

Excessive sweating

INCREASED HEART RATE

Stress

Increased sympathetic

activity

Increased heart rate

ELEVATED PULSE RATE

Stress Increased sympathetic

activity

Positive Inotropic effect (Increased contractility of

heart)

Increased Pulse rate

BLOOD PRESSURE ELEVATIONStress

Increased Sympathetic activity

Elevation of BP

ELEVATED RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

Chronic Stress

Body may not be able to manage extra glucose produced by Liver to cope up with stress

Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTIONChronic Stress

Reduced Testosterone

levels

Decreased sexual arousal

Erectile Dysfunction

INFERTILITYChronic Stress

Decreased Testosterone levels

Diminished sperm production

Infertility

IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Chronic stress Hormonal changes Irregular menstruation

WEAKENING OF IMMUNE SYSTEM

Chronic Stress

Cortisol compromises

immune system

Inhibition of histamine secretion and

inflammatory response to foreign organisms

Increased susceptibility to viral

illnesses like influenza and common cold

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Worries and tensions of the conscious waking hours

Intrude into the unconscious

state

Destroy the sleep cycle

Sleep Deprivation

Low mental efficiency, thought disorientation, poor judgement, forgetfulness, anger, irritability, apathy,

etc.

FATIGUEStress (Anxiety and excessive

tension)

Nervous system spend

unnecessary amounts of energy (e.g.

Increased heart rate and blood pressure, and

decreased blood sugar levels) Lowering of

energy level

Fatigue and Lethargy

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF STRESSAnxietyRestlessnessDepressionLack of motivation or focusIrritability or angerSadness or depression

ANXIETY & RESTLESSNESS

StressRelease of

adrenaline and cortisol from

adrenal glands

Anxiety and Restlessness

IRRITABILITY OR ANGER

Psychological stress

Expressions of excessive anger and resentment

BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF STRESS

Overeating or UndereatingAngry OutburstsSmokingAlcohol or Drug abuseSocial Withdrawl

OVER EATING

Obese individuals

Find difficulty in discriminating Hunger and

Stressors (Anger, Fear, etc.)

Overeating

SMOKINGStress

Increased Tension

Excessive Smoking

REFERENCES STRESS - The hidden adversary Clifford B. Dobson Mechanisms of Physical and Emotional

Stress George P. Chrousos, D. Lynn Loriaux, Philip W. Gold Cytokines, Stress and Depression Robert Dantzer, Emmanuelle E. Wollman, Raz Yirmiya Perspectives on Stress and Stress-

Related Topics F. Lolas, H. Mayer