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PSYC 2618

. The mind and body are closely intertwined.Definition of stress: anything that taxes one's personal resources.Distinguish from distress, which refers to a state of suffering.. Adjustment Disorders. Mildest disorderMaladaptive reactions in adapting to an identified stressor that develops within

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PSYC 2618

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    1. PSYC 2618 Stress, Psychological factors and Health

    2. The mind and body are closely intertwined. Definition of stress: anything that taxes one’s personal resources. Distinguish from distress, which refers to a state of suffering.

    3. Adjustment Disorders Mildest disorder Maladaptive reactions in adapting to an identified stressor that develops within a few months of the onset of the stressor. Impairment in social, occupational, or academic functioning exceeding normal reactions to stress. Judgment call on boundaries between expectable reaction and an adjustment disorder.

    4. Stress and Illness Psychoneuroimmunology- The study of the relationship between stressors, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. The endocrine system- ductless glands that secrete hormones When a stressful event occurs, the hypothalamus stimulates the nearby pituitary gland to secrete ACTH. ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland(the outer layer/adrenal cortex) which releases a group of steroids, corticosteroids. Catecholamines such as epinephrine (aka adrenaline) and norepinephrine (aka noradrenaline) are released by the adrenal medulla(the inner layer).

    5. Immune system Works through leukocytes, inflammation. Study on dental students Measured immunoglobulin A (an antibody that protects the body against infections). Immunoglobulin A was lower during stress school periods.

    6. Studies on medical students Also show poor immune functioning during final exam time. Support system improves immune functioning.

    7. Stress and Life changes Look at stress-illness connection by quantifying life stress in terms of life changes-research by Holmes and Rahe - “Scale of Life-Change” units.

    8. Cont Stress and Life changes General Adaptation Syndrome by Hans Selye. There is a biological response pattern to prolonged/excessive stress. GAS includes 3 stages

    9. Cont Stress and Life changes

    10. Cont. Stress and life changes Stress also causes the release of corticosteroids. On a short-term basis, corticosteroids reduce inflammation and fight allergic reactions; however, on a long-term basis, they weaken the immune system.

    11. Psychological factors that moderate stress Styles of coping Self-efficacy expectancies Psychological hardiness Optimism Social support Ethnic identity

    12. Psychological factors and physical disorders. Psychosomatic disorders Physical disorders that are caused or exacerbated by psychological disorders. Headaches Tension headaches from muscle tension

    13. Most frequent dull, steady pain Migraine due to changes in blood flow to brain piercing/throbbing Migraine without aura (common migraine); has a sudden onset. Migraine with aura (classic migraine) is preceeded by an aura (perceptual distortions) connected to changes in serotonin/norepinephrine availability to the brain.

    14. Theoretical perspectives on headaches Individual response specificity People respond to a stressor in idiosyncratic ways Imbalances in serotonin levels due to genetics These imbalances lead blood vessels in the brain to contract/dilate Factors that trigger migraines: stress stimuli such as bright lights changes in barometric pressure pollen, MSG, red wine, hunger, hormonal changes

    15. Treatment of headaches Aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, caffeine, or serotonin regulators Thermistor (registers temperature with a sound) enables an individual to alter the blood flow to a particular area such as the hand. Biofeedback

    16. Cardiovascular Disease Risk factors age gender family history SES obesity hypertension serum cholesterol - LDL(low density lipoprotein) found in animals (bad) Exercise reduces LDL. HDL sweeps out

    17. Cont. Risk factors for Heart Disease Patterns of consumption: drinking, smoking, overeating, etc. Type A personality Social environmental stress Sedentary lifestyle Ethnicity (African-American highest)

    18. Asthma May be triggered by an allergic reaction. Or a cold, dry air It may be an emotional response to anger, laughing. Stress can increase frequency and severity.

    19. Cont. Asthma Treatment medication relaxation biofeedback family therapy

    20. Cancer Risk Factors heredity age ethnicity dietary practices smoking sunbathing depression social support/stress

    21. Cont. Cancer Treatment/recovery attitude improves recovery social support using coping skills such as relaxation guided imagery to decrease nausea/vomiting during chemotherapy

    22. AIDS Focus on the psychological effects on victims, families/friends Factors affecting progression negative expectancy use of denial/avoidance sensitivity to rejection

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