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Hans Selye defined stress as “the nonspecific (that is, common) result of any demand upon the body, be the effect mental or somatic.” [5] This includes the medical definition of stress as a physical demand and the colloquial definition of stress as a psychological demand. A stressor is inherently neutral meaning that the same stressor can ...
Physiological stress represents a wide range of physical responses that occur as a direct effect of a stressor causing an upset in the homeostasis of the body. Upon immediate disruption of either psychological or physical equilibrium the body responds by stimulating the nervous , endocrine , and immune systems .
However, the problem arises when there is a persistent threat. First-time exposure to a stressor will trigger an acute stress response in the body; however, repeated and continuous exposure causes the stressor to become chronic. [4] McEwen and Stellar (1993) argued there is a "hidden cost of chronic stress to the body over long time periods". [8]
A moderate and short-term stress response can benefit the immune system, while a severe and long-term stress response can be detrimental to the immune system. The balance between the positive and negative effects of stress hormones is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of the organism. [12] [13] [14] [4]
During a panic attack, the body's stress response is triggered which can cause the small vessels of the heart to tighten, leading to chest pain. The body's nervous system and rapid breathing during a panic attack can cause spasming of the arteries of the heart (also known as vasospasm). This can reduce blood flow to the heart, causing damage to ...
When a child or adult experiences a stressor, the body will attempt to regulate the stress through releasing hormones that pass through the body. [4] However, effects of the prolonged or frequent biological stress response may increase the risk for future physical and mental health problems in early childhood. [ 23 ]
The effects of stress on memory include interference with a person's capacity to encode memory and the ability to retrieve information. [1] [2] Stimuli, like stress, improved memory when it was related to learning the subject. [3] During times of stress, the body reacts by secreting stress hormones into the bloodstream.
Eustress is not defined by the stress or type, but rather how one perceives that stressor (e.g., a negative threat versus a positive challenge). Eustress refers to a positive response one has to a stressor, which can depend on one's current feelings of control, desirability, location, and timing of the stressor.