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| Standard Definition |
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All individuals experience the typical stresses of life from time to time, however it has become a chronic and common part of today' s high demand and responsibility lifestyle. Stress can occur as a result of experiences of profound trauma, including encountering or witnessing threatened death, death, or serious injury. Similar reactions are seen in individuals who have endured a major operation or life-threatening disease, such as cancer. ' Post-traumatic stress disorder' may continue for months and develop years after a traumatic event. |
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| Underlying Disruption in Function |
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Stress can contribute to and exacerbate illness (eg. gastrointestinal, cardiac, cancer) as well as recuperation time and outcome. Stress in turn typically results from health concerns. This potentially spiralling cycle can be broken through addressing stress management with mental and physical therapies. Stress reactions involve the production of adrenalin and corticosteroids from our adrenal glands. Over a period of time, we may develop what is commonly termed ' adrenal exhaustion' . |
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| Possible Causes, Triggers & Exacerbating Factors |
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- Numerous factors that affect individuals differently
- Neuroticism, extroversion, poor self-confidence, past history of psychiatric problems, including sexual abuse
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Lack of social support or financial security
- Early separation from parents, childhood neglect
- Children of alcoholic parents
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| Common Signs & Symptoms |
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- Persistent re-experiencing of the trauma– flashbacks, dreams, intrusive thoughts, intense distress when relived
- Active avoidance of stimuli that prompts recollection
- Detachment, decrease in emotional responsiveness, sense of detachment from the body, alterations in memory
- Impulsive and risk-taking behaviours
- Hopelessness, depression
- Insomnia, increased sensitivity to stimuli
- Palpitations, sweating, hyperventilation
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| Possible Additional Integrative Medicine Diagnostic Tests |
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This is additional information that does not replace nor negate conventional diagnosis. Other tests may be useful depending on the individual circumstance.
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