Question

Discuss some of the psychophysiological aspects of stress. Which evidence-based stress management interventions do you apply to clinical practice? How effective are they?

Answer 1

Stress is any factor mental or physical ,the pressure of which can adversely affect the functioning of the body.

Some of symptomatic response to stress

• Pounding of heart
• Easily fatigued
• Lack of interest
• Migraines
• Hypermotility
• Loss of appetite or excessive appetite
• Insomnia, nightmares
• Trembling, nervous tics
• Inability to concentrate and lack of thinking
• Pain in neck and lower back

Psychophysiologic aspects of stress are:

• Sympathetic nervous system response
• Sympathetic adrenal medullary response
• Hypothalamic pituitary response
• Immunologic response

Sympathetic nervous system response:

As sympathetic nervous system response is rapid and short , norepinephrine is released at nerve endings during stress . As a result heart rate increases , peripheral vasoconstriction occurs leading to increased blood pressure. Due to peripheral vasoconstriction cold feet, clammy skin, ,chills and palpitations can occur.

Sympathetic adrenal medullary response:

The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the medulla of adrenal glands and makes it to release epinephrine and norepinephrine into bloodstream. These catecholamines stimulate nervous system and increases metabolic rate. Simply called fight or flight reaction.

Hypo-thalamic pituitary response:

Persistent stress makes hypothalamus to secrete cortico-trophin releasing factor which stimulates anterior pituitary to produce adreno-corticotrophic(ACTH) hormone. This ACTH stimulates adrenal cortex . This paves way for gluco neogenesis . Stress leads to catabolization of protein .

Immunologic response:

Alteration of immune system is caused by stress.

EVIDENCE BASED STRESS MANAGEMENT INTERVENTIONS:

• Relaxation training(Yoga, breathing exercises, diaphragmatic breathing)
• Supportive and behavioural techniques like ventilation, prayer, physical exercises, guidance
• Meditation
• Modification of stressful situations
• Biofeedback

They are effective by giving the individual a sense of confidence by improving the physical &mental condition .