Go
   Send Feedback
   Health > Times Health Guide > s > Stress and Anxiety > In-Depth Report:
   The Body's Response

Stress and Anxiety

     * Overview
--
     * The National Association of Social Workers
     * American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
     * The American Institute of Stress
     * The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation

--
In-Depth From A.D.A.M. The Body's Response

   The best way to envision the effect of acute stress is to imagine
   yourself in a primitive situation, such as being chased by a bear.

The Brain's Response to Acute Stress

   In response to seeing the bear, a part of the brain called the
   hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system is activated.

   Release of Steroid Hormones and the Stress Hormone Cortisol. The HPA
   systems trigger the production and release of steroid hormones (
   glucocorticoids ), including the primary stress hormone cortisol .
   Cortisol is very important in organizing systems throughout the body
   (including the heart, lungs, circulation, metabolism, immune systems,
--

   Catecholamines activate an area inside the brain called the amygdala ,
   which appears to trigger an emotional response to a stressful event. In
   the case of the bear, this emotion is most likely fear.

   Release of Neuropeptide S . The brain releases neuropeptide S, a small
   protein that modulates stress by decreasing sleep and increasing
   alertness and a sense of anxiety. This gives the person a sense of
   urgency to run away from the bear.

   Effects on Long- and Short-Term Memory. During the stressful event,
   catecholamines also suppress activity in areas at the front of the
   brain concerned with short-term memory, concentration, inhibition, and
--
   threats in the future.

   Research also finds that during times of stress, nerve cells in the
   brain interpret chemical signals incorrectly. Instead of switching
   "off," these nerve cells perceive the signals as telling them to switch
   "on." It's as though the brain's "brakes" fail in response to stress.

Response by the Heart, Lungs, and Circulation to Acute Stress

   The stress response also affects the heart, lungs, and circulation:
     * As the bear comes closer, the heart rate and blood pressure
       increase instantaneously.
--
       for added demands.

The Immune System's Response to Acute Stress

   The effect of the confrontation with the bear on the immune system is
--
   As the bear gets closer, fluids are diverted from nonessential
   locations, including the mouth. This causes dryness and difficulty
   talking. In addition, stress can cause spasms of the throat muscles,
   making it difficult to swallow.

The Skin's Response to Acute Stress

   The stress effect moves blood flow away from the skin to support the
   heart and muscle tissues. This also reduces blood loss in the event
   that the bear causes a wound. The physical effect is cool, clammy,
--
   up.

Metabolic Response to Acute Stress

   Stress shuts down digestive activity, a nonessential body function
   during short-term periods of hard physical work or crisis.

The Relaxation Response: the Resolution of Acute Stress

   Once the threat has passed and the effect has not been harmful (for
   example, the bear has not wounded the human), the stress hormones
   return to normal. This is known as the relaxation response. In turn,
   the body's systems also return to normal.
--
   DCSIMG
   [&t=&s=0&ui=&r=&u=www.nytimes.com%2Fhealth%2Fguides
   %2Fsymptoms%2Fstress-and-anxiety%2Fthe-body%27s-response.html]
   [e621154bQ2FwwwwwwOwOZhQ5BQ25Q23Q25J)wwwwwwwwOQ23OSQ25wwg)wwwQ25Q5BQ23Z
   9)Q2Fg] Campaign ID: 283468 | Creative:
   nyt2016_personalization_B2B_cookiesetter_v4 -- 414693 | Page:
   health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/stress-and-anxiety/the-body's
   -response.html / Targeted Page: health.nytimes.com/health/guides |
   Position: Inv2
--
   Campaign ID: 283468 | Creative:
   nyt2016_personalization_B2B_cookiesetter_v4 -- 414693 | Page:
   health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/stress-and-anxiety/the-body's
   -response.html / Targeted Page: health.nytimes.com/health/guides |
   Position: Inv2