Stress

This is a guideline and template. Please do not use as a final turn-in paper.

The physiology of stress refers to the changes to the body which occur during and after a "hostile" environment is incurred. Blood is diverted from the less vital organs to the ones more vital to survival. The heart rate increases. Blood pressure will increase.Rate of breathing will increase. Glycogen, stored in the liver and tissues, will be broken down to acquire more glucose for the body. These symptoms vary based on whether the stress is instantaneous -- an immediate threat -- or chronic and long-lasting. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). This "excites" the adrenal gland to release a steroid hormone called cortisol. This can be dangerous. If cortisol is allowed to remain at a high level over long periods, chronic stress is the result (Lioe, 2009). Insomnia and physical pain can also be a result of long-term stress. Finally, stress can even weaken the immune system and decrease its ability to detect agents that may infect the body.

Psychology of Stress

Some effects of stress can be less subtle than others. Long periods of stress can increase or even create problems like depression, anxiety, and anger. A person who is exposed to stress may also be short-tempered and have a lack of interest in most aspects of their life, where, in the past, they have been more participatory. Levels of concentration decrease and anything that requires a decisive action becomes difficult. Memory recall can also be affected, and the individual may become more emotional and less objective in their observations and statements.

Post-traumatic stress syndrome is an extreme result of stress that affects an individual's judgment to such a level that he or she can have significant mood swings and perform acts of excessive violence or other atypical behaviors (aboutstressmanagement.com, 2009).

Bibliography aboutstressmanagement.com. (2009). Physiological effects of stress. Retrieved December 17, 2009, from aboutstressmanagement.com: http://www.aboutstressmanagement.com/stressrelief/stress-management/people-and-stress/physiological-effects-of-stress.htm

Ben-Shahar, A.R. (n.d.). Introduction to the physiology of stress. Retrieved December 17, 2009, from health-concern.com: http://www.health-concern.com/Articles/introduction_to_the_physiology_of_stress.htm

Lioe, L. (2009). Psychological and physical effects of stress. Retrieved December 17, 2009, from ezinearticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?Psychological-and-Physical-Effects-of-Stress&id=1555933