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David McQuillan (2008). Otago Polytechnic

The fight or flight response is designed to combat short-term stressors. Short-term stress and recovery from stress is managed well by negative feedback cycles, because cortisol inhibits the production of cortiocosteroid-releasing hormone. (Marieb, 2004)

When a stressor is chronic, these feedback cycles are thought to break down resulting in neurotransmitter and hormonal imbalances. In the modern environment many stressors are emotional/mental in nature, and stress can become constant, having many detrimental effects.

Long-term effects of ephinephrine (adrenaline)

• Decreased immune response
• Altered protein & fat metabolism
• Increased chance of high blood pressure
• Decreased digestion
• Inhibited tissue repair

Long-term effects of Cortisol & Glucocorticoids

• Muscle & connective tissue wastage
• Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar level)
• Suppression of the immune response
• Suppression of healing
• Damage to the hippocampus. In two studies Vietnam vets & women exposed to sexual abuse displayed up to 8% shrinkage of the hippocampus. It's not known if this is reversible. (Simon, 2006)

Effects of Chronic Stress on the body

Effects of chronic stress on the cardiovascular system

• Increased strength & speed of heartbeat
• Hypertension
  • Strain on the heart
    • Thickening & narrowing of arteries
    • Enlargement of the heart (resulting in increased work, less able to maintain proper blood flow, fatigue )
• Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar)
• High cholesterol

Effects of chronic stress on the musculo-skeletal system

• Muscular reactivity
• Chronic muscular tension and pain
• Migraine and tension headaches
• Exaggeration of reflexive postural patterns
• Bone demineralisation

Effects of chronic stress on the digestive tract

• Gastritis
• Stomach & duodenal ulcers
• Stomach pain
• Obesity
• Colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Effects of chronic stress on the reproductive system

• Infertility
• Menstrual disorders
• Impotence or premature ejaculation
• Loss of libido

Effects of chronic stress on the urinary system

• Bladder urgency
• Incontinence

Effects of chronic stress on the immune system

• Allergies
• Increased susceptibility to illness such as common cold
• Autoimmune conditions (Diabetes type 1, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis)

Effects of Chronic Stress on metabolism

• Metabolic Disorder
• Diabetes

Effects of chronic stress on the respiratory system

• Asthma symptoms often worsen under mental or emotional stress
• Hyperventilation
• Breathing pattern disorder