Effects of stress on the human body

Stress is a psychophysiological response generated by the body due to the undesirable, challenging and difficult circumstances or stressors. The stress effects on the nervous system have been known for quite a long time. Numerous studies confirm the adverse effects of stress on the human brain, on the function of the immune, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine and other body systems. Acute stress refers to a short-term and adaptive state. In contrast, chronic stress is a long-lasting condition known to be related to maladaptive response, implying harmful effects on the body. There are many systems in the body that regulate the level of stress, the main of them include the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-Axis) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The HPA axis reacts to stressors by secreting cortisol, a chemical that prepares the body for fight or flight response and is a significant biomarker for stress. Cortisol is mostly associated with psychological stress. The ANS also contributes to acute and chronic stress generation and regulation. It regulates bodily functions in response to external and internal stimuli (maintenance of body homeostasis including temperature, blood sugar levels, etc.). Adrenaline, noradrenaline, and acetylcholine are the prime neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS. Unlike the transient secretion of stress hormones during acute stress, the long-term elevation of catecholamines and glucocorticoids causes not only mental disorders such as anxiety disorder and depression, but also contributes to the development of many other diseases. Relief of early stress-induced (anxiety, autonomic, cardiac) symptoms, especially in high-risk individuals, is highly important, as timely initiation of therapy will make it possible to achieve a complete and lasting solution to the problem.

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