Effects of Stress

What are the health consequences of stress?

In prehistoric times, the physical changes in response to stress were an essential adaptation for meeting natural threats. Even in the modern world, the stress response can be an asset for raising levels of performance during critical events such as a sports activity, an important meetin, or in situations of actual danger or crisis. If stress becomes persistent and low-level, however, all parts of the body's stress apparatus (the brain, heart, lungs, vessels, and muscles) become chronically over- or under-activated. This may produce physical or psychological damage over time. Acute stress can also be harmful in certain situations.

Psychological Effects of Stress

Studies suggest that the inability to adapt to stress is associated with:

• The onset of depression or anxiety
• Diminished quality of life
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Emotional instability
• Disruption of social and family life
• Increased use of cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs
• Poor attitude towards work
• Difficulties in communicating with patients
• Difficulty maintaining pleasant relations with coworkers
• Difficulty judging the seriousness of a potential emergency

Physical Effects of Stress

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Susceptibility to infections
• Immune disorders
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Peptic ulcers
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Weight gain
• Weight loss
• Eating disorders
• Diabetes
• Pain
• Muscular and joint pain
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Sexual and reproductive dysfunction
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Fertility issues
• Effects on pregnancy
• Memory, concentration, and learning
• Allergies
• Skin disorders
• Unexplained hair loss (Alopecia Areata)
• Teeth and gums (Stress has now been implicated in increasing the risk for periodontal disease, which is disease in the gums that can cause tooth loss)

Learn about Managing Stress