Stressireaktioon

Stressireaktioon is the physiological and psychological response to a stressor, a stimulus that disrupts homeostasis. The term is used in Finnish language contexts to describe how both humans and other animals react to perceived threats or challenges.

The core pathway involves the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Activation leads to release of adrenaline and cortisol, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose availability, while sharpening focus and preparing muscles for action.

Stressireaktioon can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute responses aid quick adaptation but become problematic when sustained. Early models described stages of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, while modern concepts emphasize allostasis and cumulative wear called allostatic load.

Triggers include physical danger, emotional stress, heavy workload, sleep deprivation, or social factors. The response varies with context, previous exposure, and coping resources, and social support often moderates the intensity of the reaction.

Physiological effects include autonomic arousal, metabolic changes, and immune modulation. Short-term stress can enhance performance, but chronic stress is linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, anxiety, depression, and impaired cognitive function.

Management emphasizes regular physical activity, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress-reduction practices such as mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral strategies. In persistent or severe cases, professional assessment, psychotherapy, or medications may be appropriate.