General adaptation syndrome

pathology and physiology of general adaptation syndrome

1. GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME

2. Stress - Physical, mental, and/or emotional strain resulting from stressors. “ It is a condition in which the human system responds to changing in its normal balanced state .stress result from a change in the environment ,that is presided as a challenge a threat or a danger and can have both negative and positive effects.” Eustress v. Distress

3. Four type of stress General stress • Everyone has this kind of stress • It resolves itself within a day or two • No intervention is necessarily required Cumulative stress • Stress builds up in your body • It becomes more difficult to alleviate your symptoms Serious physical symptoms & mental distress Acute traumatic stress • Critical incident stress • Produces considerable psychological distress • A normal reaction to abnormal events Post traumatic stress • Severe stress produced by severe psychological trauma

4. Stressors - Events or environmental stimulus that cause a person to feel tense or aroused stressor are themselves neither positive nor negative but they can have positive and negative effects as the persons responds to the changes.” TYPES 1. External Stressors 2. Internal Stressors

5. HOMEOSTASIS “The various physiologic mechanism within the body responses to internal changes to maintain relative constancy in the internal environment is called homeostasis.” PHYSIOLOGIC HOMEOSTASIS PSYCHOLOGIC HOMEOSTASIS Medulla oblongata: respiration & circulation Pituitary gland: regulates other glands-growth, maturation, reproduction Reticular formation: nerve cells help control vital reflexes such as cardiovascular function & respiration

6. Feedback mechanisms An endocrine gland usually controls the sensor mechanism. Signal sent to the control center in the CNS, which initiates the effector mechanism negative feedback and positive feedback Negative Works to restore homeostasis by correcting a deficit within the system Positive Hormone secretion triggers additional hormone secretion

7. PHYSIOLOGIC HOMEOSTASIS Autonomic nervous system & the endocrine system primarily control homeostasis mechanisms. Self regulation occur without conscious thought, & usually function to correct abnormal conditions. Short term & long term stress can threaten the physiologic homeostasis & result in illness,

8. NEUROHORMONAL MEDIATORS OF STRESS AND ADAPTATION Catecholamines: norepinephrine and epinephrine • Play an integral role in allostasis Sympathico -adrenal system response mediates the flight-or-fight response Adrenocortical steroids: cortisol and aldosterone • Critical to maintenance of homeostasis • May synergize or antagonize effects of catecholamines GROWTH HORMONE, PROLACTIN, AND OXYTOCIN • Growth hormone: can increase during stress to enhance immune function • Prolactin: similar to structure of growth hormone; role in immune response • Oxytocin: produced during childbirth and lactation; associated with bonding and social attachment; thought to moderate stress response

9. SEX HORMONES: ESTROGEN, TESTOSTERONE, AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE • Affect stress responses, thus influencing allostasis ENDORPHINS AND ENKEPHALINS AND IMMUNE CYTOKINES • Endorphins and enkephalins: endogenous opioids (body’s natural pain relievers) • Raise pain threshold; produce sedation and euphoria • Immune cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1): secreted by macrophages during stress response, thus enhancing immune system response

10. GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME The automatic physiological stress effects on the body is known as the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS): GAS has three stages: 1. The Stage of Stress Alarm Reaction 2. The Stage of Stress Resistance 3. The Stage of Stress Exhaustion

11. Stage I - Alarm Reaction – When the stressor or threat is identified, the body’s response is a state of alarm. – Release of adrenaline in order to bring the “fight or flight” response it decreases the effectiveness of immune system which makes you more susceptible to illness

12. Stage II-Stage of resistance and adaptation If stress continues ,the body adapts to the stressors it is being exposed to and increase blood sugar level. This phase is common and not necessarily harmful, but must include periods of relaxation and rest to counterbalance the stress response .

13. Stage III-Stage of exhaustion Stress persists for a long time The body’s resistance may be reduced or collapse quickly ◦Environmental demands or strains exceeded available resources All the body‘s available resources are eventually depleted and the body is unable to maintain normal function.

14. Effect of stress- -Physical Effects - Mental Effects - Behavioral Effects - Emotional Effects

15. Physical effects- Sleep pattern changes Fatigue Digestion changes Headaches Aches and pains Infections Dizziness Fainting Sweating &trembling Tingling hands& feet Breathlessness Missed heartbeats

16. Behavioral effect- Appetite changes- too much or too little • Eating disorders • Increased smoking and drinking • Restlessness • Fidgeting • Nail biting

17. Emotional effect- Bouts of depression Impatience Fits of rage Tearfulness Deterioration of personal hygiene and appearance

18. Mental effect- Lack of concentration Memory lapses Difficulty in making decision Confusion Disorientation Panic attacks