Chronic stress is the response to emotional pressure suffered for a prolonged period over which an individual perceives he or she has no control. It involves an endocrine system response in which occurs a release of corticosteroids. If this continues for a long time, it can cause damage to an individual’s physical and mental health.
Biology
Animals exposed to distressing events over which they have no control respond by releasing of corticosteroids. These, if prolonged, lead to structural changes in their brains. Changes happen to neurons and their synapses in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. These produce impairments in working memory, spatial memory, and increased aggression.
Linked to impairment of the medial prefrontal cortex are deficits in the part of the striatum with which it is linked. This can bias decision-making strategies, as affected individuals shift from flexible behavior to one dominated by habit. Changes also occur to dopaminergic activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Symptoms
In humans, symptoms of chronic stress can vary from anxiety, depression, social isolation, headache, abdominal pain or lack of sleep to back pain and difficulty concentrating. Other symptoms include:
- gingivitis
- upset stomach
- headache
- backache
- insomnia
- anxiety
- depression
- aggression
- intense mood swings
- rash
- loss of concentration / poor concentration
- heightened confusion in mildly stressful situations
- inability to complete tasks
- hypertension
- hemorrhoids
- varicose veins
- suicidal thoughts in some
In severe cases it can lead to panic attacks or a panic disorder. Stress plays a role in triggering or worsening depression and cardiovascular disease.
Treatment
There are a variety of methods to control chronic stress, including exercise, healthy diet, stress management, relaxation techniques, adequate rest, and relaxing hobbies. It has been suggested that magnesium supplements can help.