Stressioireyhtymä

Stressioireyhtymä, translated as stress symptom syndrome, is a descriptive term used in Finnish clinical and research contexts to denote a cluster of symptoms that arise in response to significant stress. It is not an official diagnosis in major classification systems such as the ICD or DSM.

Patients may experience psychological symptoms (anxiety, irritability, mood swings, worry), cognitive difficulties (concentration problems, indecisiveness), somatic complaints (fatigue, sleep disturbance, headaches, muscle tension), and behavioral changes (social withdrawal, reduced functioning).

It commonly follows acute or chronic stressors—work pressure, bereavement, illness, trauma—with risk increased by limited coping resources, insufficient social support, and prior mental health problems.

There are no formal criteria for stressioireyhtymä; diagnosis is clinical and by exclusion, distinguishing from adjustment disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD. Onset is typically within weeks of the stressor; duration varies.

Interventions emphasize stress management and restoration of functioning: psychoeducation, psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, sleep and activity regulation. Pharmacotherapy may be considered for prominent anxiety or depressive symptoms or comorbid conditions, under clinician judgement.

With timely support and reduction of stressors, many individuals recover or improve over weeks to months. Early identification and preventive strategies—work-life balance, resilience training, social support networks—may reduce risk of progression to more persistent disorders.