Early warning signs, symptoms and asymptomatic risk factors
can lead to frank and serious strain. Stress-related disorders fall into three
broad categories: medical, psychological and behavioral. Because stress is a
generalized, systemic response of the mind-body, it is not easy to predict
which category of stress-related disorder a specific may manifest.
Medical strain. Stress is implicated in or a direct
contributing factor to at least five common and sometimes serious forms of
medical strain.
Medical strain and symptoms arising from stress
- Cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, elevated heart rate and blood pressure; increased risk of heart attack during extreme stress; type A. (coronary-prone) behavior creates self-induced stress.
- Back pain triggers a bracing response in the large muscles, causing contraction and tension, particularly in the muscles of the back, abdomen and upper thighs.
- Tension headaches may be of musculoskeletal origin from the contraction of the large muscles in the upper back, shoulders, neck and scalp.
- Cancer is indirectly influenced by stress; there may be predisposition to possible malignancy because of lowered immunity; stress can inhibit the curative process.
- Stress is thought to be a factor in irritable bowel syndrome and is possibly implicated in peptic disease.
While these medical conditions may have other primary or
secondary causes, each may have a stress-related component.
Psychological strain. Psychology plays a central role in the
stress process, and physicians should consider partnering with mental health
professionals whenever stress-related problems of a more serious nature are
suspected. Stressful events, chronic stress and trauma are all important health
risks for psychological strain.
Psychological strain and symptoms arising from stress.
- Varying degrees of depression.
- Burnout from chronic stress and prolonged striving can lead to emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment.
- Anxiety disorders may develop, including acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Conversion reactions can trigger psychogenic conditions, such as acute blindness and hard or arm paralysis.
- Work-family stress may trigger interpersonal conflicts, physical abuse or sexual dysfunction.
Behavioral forms of strain
- Substance abuse; tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
- Violence, manslaughter and suicide.
- Increased susceptibility to accidents.
- Prolonged recovery times from accidents and injuries.
- Eating disorders; overeating leads to obesity, with its associated cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems; under eating may result from loss of appetite, which is often associated with depression.
