General Adaption Syndrome and Post Traumatic Stress

General Adaption Syndrome and Post Traumatic Stress Hans Selye (1907-1982), an Austrian-born physician who emigrated to Canada in 1939, the general adaptation syndrome represents a three-stage reaction to stress. Selye explained his choice of terminology as follows: I call this syndrome general because it is produced only by agents which have a general effect upon large portions of the body. I call it adaptive because it stimulates defenseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. I call it a syndrome because its individual manifestations are coordinated and even partly dependent upon each other. Most of his research is concerned with formulating a code of behavior based on the laws governing the bodys stress resistance in dealing with personal, interpersonal and group problems. General Adaption Syndrome General adaptation syndrome, or GAS, is a term used to describe the bodys short-term and long-term reactions to stress. Stressors in humans include such physical stressors as starvation, being hit by a car, or suffering through severe weather. Additionally, humans can suffer such emotional or mental stressors as the loss of a loved one, the inability to solve a problem, or even having a difficult day at work. This picture is adapted from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0d0umMkfLdpQwMgKvzZlawzIbcxz6fm1Al2y_6FSLrmFoQWWB7DQtT7VKsJ7l1cUSPOTW4fo59YoLyGlOE3UXwidCawqoxlhz_SPt7bVPq2fibfcSWaIyuEtIfbG8uVd8uUC1ISWvOU/s200/Stress-ZebraStripes.gifThe general adaptation syndrome represents a three-stage reaction to stress. Stage 1: alarm reaction (ar) The first stage of the general adaptation stage, the alarm reaction, is the immediate reaction to a stressor. In the initial phase of stress, We prepare to: battle (fight) or escape (flight) Fight can be determined as to battle or fight with something, and flight can be determined as run away with something or sometimes you in a situation that you cant deal with it. That animal reacts to threats with a general discharge of the sympathetic nervous system, priming the animal for fighting or fleeing. This response was later recognized as the first stage of a general adaptation syndrome that regulates stress responses among vertebrates and other organisms. This is an involuntary physical response to danger which dissipates once we perceive the source of stress is removed. Stage 2: stage of resistance (sr) Stage 2 might also be named the stage of adaptation, instead of the stage of resistance. During this phase, if the stress continues, the body adapts to the stressors it is exposed to. Stage 3: stage of exhaustion (se) At this stage, the stress has continued for some time. The bodys resistance to the stress may gradually be reduced, or may collapse quickly. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional illness that that is classified as an anxiety disorder and usually develops as a result of a terribly frightening, life-threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experience. PTSD sufferers re-experience the traumatic event or events in some way, tend to avoid places, people, or other things that remind them of the event (avoidance), and are exquisitely sensitive to normal life experiences (hyper arousal). Although this condition has likely existed since human beings have endured trauma, PTSD has only been recognized as a formal diagnosis since 1980. However, it was called by different names as early as the American Civil War, when combat veterans were referred to as suffering from soldiers heart. This picture is adapted from http://home.earthlink.net/~help_for_ptsd/ptsd018001.jpg Overview of the effects of stress on your body This picture is adapted from http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/assets/learn_its/alevel/psychology/stress/what-is-stress/diagram1.jpg The body doesnt distinguish between physical and psychological threats. When youre stressed over a busy schedule, an argument with a friend, a traffic jam, or a mountain of bills, your body reacts just as strongly as if you were facing a life-or-death situation. If you have a lot of responsibilities and worries, your emergency stress response may be on most of the time. The more your bodys stress system is activated, the easier it is to trip and the harder it is to shut off. PTSD is believed to be caused by either physical trauma or psychological trauma, or more frequently a combination of both. Traumatic events that may cause PTSD symptoms to develop include violent assault, kidnapping, and sexual assault, torture, being a hostage, prisoner of war or concentration camp victim, experiencing a disaster, violent automobile accidents or getting a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. Children or adults may develop PTSD symptoms by experiencing bullying or mobbing. Preliminary research suggests that child abuse may interact with mutations in a stress-related gene to increase the risk of PTSD in adults. Stress can increase certain hormone levels inside the body. They include catecholamine (nor epinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) and cortisol. Catecholamines are a component of sympathetic nervous system which prepares the body for an emergency. They increase the heart rate, blood pressure and divert more blood to the muscles. Cortisol is a hormone synthesized by the adrenal cortex and it increases the available glucose levels, lipid levels in the blood. In addition cortisol causes a reduction in immunity. These hormones prepare the body to fight or run away in a dangerous life threatening situations. However chronically elevated stress hormones can cause disease. Prolonged elevation of stress hormones can occur in chronic stress situations such as caring for a dependent person with terminal illness or in frequent acute stressors such as getting scolded numerous times by the boss. Direct effect of stress on body C:UsersluluAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet FilesContent.IE5ZV69X961MC900021513[1].wmf Heart disease and stroke Increased blood sugar and lipid levels may increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke. In addition increased sympathetic over activity due to catecholamine may lead to increased blood pressure. Hypertension or increased blood pressure is another risk factor for heart diseases. Sexual problems In addition, increased stress hormones can cause reduced sexual drive and sexual dysfunction. This will lead to family disharmony and relationship problems. Increased risk of infections Reduced immunity due to increased cortisol levels can lead to various infections. It will cause deterioration of the general wellbeing [3 and 4]. For an example chronic stress can cause impaired wound healing [5]. Depression Prolonged elevation of cortisol is known to cause depression [7]. Therefore chronic stress can indeed cause depression. Gastric ulcers Chronic stress can increase the gastric acid secretion [6]. Increased gastric acid secretion can cause heart burn and gastric ulcers. Indirect effects of stress on body C:UsersluluAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet FilesContent.IE5YK5A4VMUMC900056994[1].wmf Increased risk behavior Risk behavior such as alcohol consumption, drugs abuse and smoking can increase with stress. In addition some people may tend to overeat due to stress. These behaviors can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Drug abuse Some people with stress tend to abuse prescription drugs such as Ambien, Valium or opiates. These drugs in over dosage can be lethal. In addition people who abuse drugs usually take a mixture of several dangerous drugs. It can precipitate some disastrous drug interactions which can cause death or disability. Summary Stress is the human bodys response to change and adjustment. It can help people to cope with an acute change. However, stress that occurs frequently can cause serious harm to your body. Therapy used for Post Traumatic Stress Patients This picture is adapted from http://www.mindmapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/exercises-for-relaxation-destressing-tony-buzan.jpg Today, there are good treatments available for PTSD. When you have PTSD, dealing with the past can be hard. Instead of telling others how you feel, you may keep your feelings bottled up. But talking with a therapist can help you get better. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of counseling. It appears to be the most effective type of counseling for PTSD. The VA is providing two forms of cognitive behavioral therapy to Veterans with PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. To learn more about these types of therapy, see our fact sheets listed on the Treatment page. There is also a similar kind of therapy called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) that is used for PTSD. Medications have also been shown to be effective. A type of drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is also used for depression, is effective for PTSD. Types of cognitive behavioral therapy In cognitive therapy, therapist helps patient to understand and change how patient think about they trauma and its aftermath. They goal is to understand how certain thoughts about they trauma because the stress and make they symptoms worse. Types of exposure behavioral therapy In exposure therapy patients goal is to have less fear about they memories. It is based on the idea that people learn to fear thoughts, feelings, and situations that remind them of a past traumatic event. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is another type of therapy for PTSD. Like other kinds of counseling, it can help change how patient react to memories of they trauma. Medication Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medicine. These can help people feel less sad and worried. They appear to be helpful, and for some people they are very effective. Other types of treatment Some other kinds of counseling may be helpful in your recovery. However, more evidence is needed to support these types of treatment for PTSD. Group therapy Many people want to talk about their trauma with others who have had similar experiences. In group therapy, people talk with a group of people who also have been through a trauma and who have PTSD. Sharing they stories with others may help people feel more comfortable talking about your trauma. This can help people cope with they symptoms, memories, and other parts of they life. Brief psychodynamic psychotherapy In this type of therapy, people learn ways of dealing with emotional conflicts caused by they trauma. This therapy helps people understand how they past affects the way they feel now. Family therapy Family therapy is a type of counseling that involves patient whole family. A therapist helps patient and them family to communicate, maintain good relationships, and cope with tough emotions. They family can learn more about PTSD and how it is treated. How long does treatment last? CBT treatment for PTSD often lasts for 3 to 6 months. Other types of treatment for PTSD can last longer. If you have other mental health problems as well as PTSD, treatment may last for 1 to 2 years or longer. PART B RESEARCH C:UsersluluAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet FilesContent.IE5O5C30NJMMC900437563[1].wmf Overview of the companies stress alleviation activities Introduction of company The Coca-Cola Company is the worlds largest beverage company. Along with Coca- Cola, recognized as the worlds most valuable brand, it markets four of the worlds top five soft drink brands. How Coca-Cola Company alleviate stress for their employees This picture is adapted from http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTgrQgE9e-vO46V6phmZATrZPl8gLS77BnEWP8YGBqS5St3Each employee has holidays each year for helping employees to develop they stress. During holiday season, families and businesses can spend wisely on both personal and business gifts. These days, pretty much everyone on holiday gift list is dealing with a degree of stress. These holidays are basic on public holidays and some other holidays, for example Christmas, New Year etc. The coca-cola company often encourages employees to do some physical exercises. Exercise is a good way to deal with stress because it is a healthy way to relieve employee pent-up energy and tension. It also helps employee get in better shape, which makes employee feel better overall. By getting physically active, employee can decrease they levels of anxiety and stress, and elevate they moods. This picture is adapted from http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToXyrlIqvMo4jjYh3VDfSK4JX6DEEtAIZsgbW2j0dErrSk2e7u0MtLDaI0wgFemale employees were more often likely to choose Yoga-at-Work. Yoga-at-Work is a low-cost and innovative solution for companies wanting to reduce health care expenses, relieve workplace stress and promote employee well-being. The performance of a corporation depends on the performance of its key assets-employees. Healthy employees are more productive and more cost effective. Male employees were more often likely to choose to go gym. E.g. Virgin Active or Discourage. To go to gym are more expensive than Yoga-At-Work but it can help males to get more muscles so when they looks good they will feels good. Numerous studies have shown that people who begin exercise programs, either at home or at work, demonstrate a marked improvement in their ability to concentrate, are able to sleep better, suffer from fewer illnesses, suffer from less pain, and report a much higher quality of life than those who do not exercise. Coca Cola Company has been taking the lead in addressing the epidemic of stress by instituting workplace wellness programs that include a significant stress-reduction component. The most effective of these programs are the ones that integrate physical activity and nutritional programs alongside stress-management training. Businesses that have instituted activity-based workplace wellness programs have enjoyed a $3.00-$5.00 return on every dollar invested in the form of decreased health care costs, decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, decreased employee turnover, and reduced insurance costs. This picture is adapted from http://matznerclinic.com/index.php/services/stress-reductionNutritional Supplements, the lunch support by the Coca Cola company restaurant is been well prepared. There are types of nutritional supplements that can help with stress: those that help to reduce stress and those that help the body better cope with the effects of stress. PART C CREATE Nutritional Supplements There are two types of nutritional supplements that can help with stress: those that help to reduce stress, and those that help the body better cope with the effects of stress. Supplements that help to reduce stress belong to a class of herbs that help the body relax. Herbs such as chamomile, skullcap, valerian, and lavender help to clear a hurried mind and calm intense emotions. People typically drink these herbs as teas. Supplements to help the body better cope with the physical effects of stress are the B-vitamins and zinc. When you are under stress, your need for zinc and the B-vitamins goes up considerably. If you dont have enough of these, your health will suffer, which is why people often become sick when they are under a lot of stress. Taking a B-complex supplement along with zinc will help to protect your body from the negative effects of stress.