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Most Common Consequences of Stress on the Brain
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Chronic Stress and Memory
During a stressful experience, the hypothalamus, which is located at the base of the brain, triggers a signal that alerts the adrenal glands to release powerful stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Overexposure to stress hormones causes injury to the cells in the hippocampus, which is the part of your brain involved in memory and learning. Memory impairment is one serious consequence of chronic stress. Photo: Getty Images
Chronic Stress and Depression
Survival during chronic stress requires an increased secretion of the corticosteroid hormones released by the adrenal glands. Continued and prolonged stress disrupts the complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, the pituitary glands and the adrenal glands. This complex set of interactions is known as the HPA axis. It is a major part of the neuroendocrine system that controls stress. Chronic stress is the biggest risk factor for developing depression. Photo: Getty Images
Chronic Stress and Sexual Dysfunction
During a stressful experience, the adrenal glands release adrenaline, which causes an increase in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. This stress hormone moves blood faster to the brain and prepares muscles for the fight or flight response. The reproductive hormones are one of several groups of hormones that shut down functions unnecessary during a emergency situation. Thus, chronic stress leads to sexual dysfunction. Photo: Getty Images
Chronic Stress and the Immune System
Continued and prolonged stress weakens your immune system. Your body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones to help you react to the situation with speed and strength. However, prolonged release of these hormones has a negative impact on the immune system and increases the incidence for infections, viruses and diseases, including Kaposi sarcoma and some forms of lymphoma. Photo: Getty Images
Chronic Stress and the Digestive System
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is currently unknown, however, one theory indicates stress and a particular sensitivity and reaction to certain foods as a cause. The enteric nervous system contains as many neurons as the spinal cord. There are many nerves in the colon that connect it to the brain. Stress can stimulate the colon in individuals with IBS causing the symptoms of abdominal pain and changes in bowel frequency and appearance. Chronic stress leads to functional dyspepsia, which is commonly known as indigestion, worsens the symptoms of heartburn and increases the risk for ulcers. Photo: Getty Images
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I believe this to be very true. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 14 yrs. ago after a very stressfull youth followed by an abusive marriage that caused long term chronic stress. I truly believe that yrs. upon yrs. of chronic long-term stress caused the Fibromyalgia which involves cognitive and memory problems also.
June 5, 2011 - 1:45pmThis Comment