Stress Physiology

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone

Glucocorticoid = Stress Hormone

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal AXIS

Catecholamines = Epinephrine, Norepinephrine

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone

Glucocortoid

Increase Energy Available

Reduce InflammationReduce HistaminesReduce immunity

STRESS

Sympathetic ANS

Increase Serum Glucose

Liver LiverGlycogen Glucose

Increase plasma fatty acids

available for energy

Endorphin Release Decreased PAIN

Acute Stress(ors)

Short-Term; quick decisive action required for survival

Acute Stress Response

Increase Energy Available

Endorphin Release

Decreased PAIN

FLIGHT or FIGHT (seconds)

Glucocorticoid Response = Minutes-Hours

Chronic Stress(ors) = long term, persistent

Physical, Emotional, Sexual Abuse Demanding Job

Poverty, Malnourishment Depression, Anxiety

Chronic Stress Response

General Adaptation Syndrome (Seyle)

Body’s Initial Response(Cortisol, Epi/Norepi, Endophins)

Increase Energy Available, Increase CO, MAPSuppress Immune System, Reduce Pain

CHRONICSTRESSOR

Chronic Stress Response

General Adaptation Syndrome (Seyle)

Body’s Initial Response(Cortisol, Epi/Norepi, Endophins)

Increase Energy Available, Increase CO, MAPSuppress Immune System, Reduce Pain

Continuation of

Body is moving to a new ‘setpoint’ that is OPTIMAL for stressful conditions

ALLOSTASIS

CHRONICSTRESSOR

Chronic Stress Response

General Adaptation Syndrome (Seyle)

Body’s Initial Response(Cortisol, Epi/Norepi, Endophins)

Increase Energy Available, Increase CO, MAPSuppress Immune System, Reduce Pain

Continuation of

Body is moving to a new ‘setpoint’ that is OPTIMAL for stressful conditions

ALLOSTASIS

Exhaustion

Energy Stores depletedMyocardium fatiguedBlood vessels damagedInfection prevalentWounds don’t heal

CHRONICSTRESSOR

What to DO about Chronic Stress?

“What fits your busy schedule better, exercising One hour a day or being dead 24 hours a day?”

1) Remove the STRESSOR!

2) EFFECTIVELY Cope with the STRESSOR!