Effects of Stress


Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a highly subjective phenomenon that differs for each of us. Things that are distressful for some individuals can be pleasurable for others. We also respond to stress differently. Some people blush, some eat more while others grow pale or eat less. There are numerous physical as well as emotional responses as illustrated by the following list of some 50 common signs and symptoms of stress.

1.  Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
   
2.  Gritting, grinding teeth
   
3.  Stuttering or stammering
   
4.  Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
   
5.  Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
   
6.  Light headedness, faintness, dizziness
   
7.  Ringing, buzzing or "popping sounds
   
8.  Frequent blushing, sweating
   
9.  Cold or sweaty hands, feet
   
10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing
   
11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
   
12. Rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps"
   
13. Unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks

14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea

15. Excess belching, flatulence

16. Constipation, diarrhea

17. Difficulty breathing, sighing

18. Sudden attacks of panic

19. Chest pain, palpitations

20. Frequent urination

21. Poor sexual desire or performance

22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness

23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility

24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings

25. Increased or decreased appetite

26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams

27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts

28. Trouble learning new information

29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion

30. Difficulty in making decisions.

31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed.

32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts

33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness

34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality

35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping

36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess

37. Overreaction to petty annoyances

38. Increased number of minor accidents

39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior
   
40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity
   
41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work
   
42. Rapid or mumbled speech
   
43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
   
44. Problems in communication, sharing
   
45. Social withdrawal and isolation
   
46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
   
47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs
   
48. Weight gain or loss without diet
   
49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use
   
50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying


As demonstrated in the above list, stress can have wide ranging effects on emotions, mood and behavior. Equally important but often less appreciated are effects on various systems, organs and tissues all over the body, as illustrated by the following diagram.






There are numerous emotional and physical disorders that have been linked to stress including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility to infections, a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition stress can have direct effects on the skin (rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and can contribute to insomnia and degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. In fact, it's hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role or any part of the body that is not affected (see stress effects on the body stress diagram) or. This list will undoubtedly grow as the extensive ramifications of stress are increasingly being appreciated.


www.stress.org