Despite widespread public opinion that psychological stress causes disease, the medical community is still skeptical of this assumption. This commentary will explore the possible biological underpinnings of psychological stress and outline the relationship of psychological stress in 4 specific disease processes: psychological, physiological, behavioral, and substance abuse or dependence. We will critically review the literature concerning these illnesses. Our purpose is to explore the relationship between psychological stress and these illnesses as this relationship has been studied in previous research. We conclude our investigation by describing the current state of knowledge regarding the biological underpinnings of psychological stress and discussing the potential for future research.
There are a number of potential mechanisms through which psychological stress can exert its influence on the body. One such mechanism is the potential for negative emotional states to cause changes in the functioning of internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Stressful experiences have been identified as causing increases in blood pressure and decreases in heart rate among persons with hypertension. Among persons with a history of headache disorder onset, those with higher levels of psychological stress had greater risks of developing headache disorder onset. Although other mechanisms have been suggested for the link between psychological stress and headache, increased blood pressure and decreased heart rate are the most compelling.
Psychological stress can alter the normal functioning of the stress regulatory system. When an individual is under significant psychological stress, their bodies begin to adapt to the increased stress by down regulating the secretion of certain hormones and increasing the production of others. The increased stress level can result in hormonal imbalance, decreased immunity, and the over-stimulation of inflammatory pathways. In addition, psychological stress alters the balance of neurotransmitters such as cortisol and adrenaline. Together, these changes lead to the over-production of certain chemicals such as Adrenalin and nor epinephrine.
Individuals with psychological stress may also exhibit signs of depression. Depression can exacerbate the physical symptoms of psychological stress in many individuals. Some researchers believe that the degree of depression differs between individuals experiencing mild and severe psychological stress. People who are experiencing more severe psychological stress tend to exhibit symptoms of clinical depression. Individuals suffering from mild psychological stress tend to display symptoms of mild depression. A number of researchers suggest that psychological stress has links to the development of both heart disease and depression.
Overcoming the impact of psychological stress can be challenging for individuals who suffer from it. Individuals may attempt to reduce the impact of psychological stress through coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drug abuse. However, drug abuse often exacerbates the emotional symptoms of psychological stress. Moreover, individuals may turn to self-medication to alleviate the negative impact of psychological stress. Although medication may provide temporary relief from symptoms of psychological stress, it can have detrimental effects in the long run. For example, individuals who become addicted to prescription medications often develop addictions and require higher dosages to achieve the same effect.
Many individuals seek the assistance of healthcare professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists to help them deal with the emotional and physical ramifications of psychological stress. These professionals can offer many helpful tips and advice regarding how to manage psychological stress effectively. Individuals suffering from psychological stress may benefit from regular exercise and good nutrition. Some healthcare professionals recommend meditation as a natural tool to help cope with the impact of psychological stress. Individuals who exhibit symptoms of depression may benefit from daily activities such as yoga and meditation.
It is important to be aware that the impact of psychological stress can be profound and must be addressed early on. This condition can have an enormous effect on an individual's quality of life. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of psychological stress, it is imperative that you seek treatment immediately. Your healthcare professional will be able to assist you in both finding a solution to your problem and the modification of unhealthy behavior to improve your overall health.