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Stress results in physiological, physical and psychological reactions.
1/ Physiological disorders
Stress related disorders are numerous and various. The following highlight in particular the harmful effects of stress on:
- The hormonal system: stress can unsettle for instance the regularity of menstrual cycles in women, or else diminish fecundity in men.
- Immunity. The state of stress is most often accompanied by a fall of immune reactions. Glucocorticoids – of which production is speeded up by stress – can be found in the nervous and immune systems.
- Premature ageing: generally due to numerous consequences on the organism, an extended and extreme stress contributes to speed up the process of ageing.
- etc.
The figure below highlights the main consequences of an extended stress.
2/ Physical reactions
Stress also acts on our mental state leading to:
- sleep disorders: stress creates agitation making the falling asleep phase difficult;
- indigestion: stomach cramps, slowing down or even blockage of digestion, etc.
- problems of hypertension,
- headaches,
- loss of appetite or attack of bulimia resulting in weight loss or gain.
3/ Emotional and psychological disorders
- concentration difficulties, loss of memory, lack of effectiveness in the job often driving to a depreciation of oneself;
- impatience, hyperactivity, irritable, aggressiveness or passiveness;
- guilt feelings, general malaise, possible depression. "Under pressure of stress, the neuro-psychiatrists believe that approximately one person of five will experience a depressive episode at least once in their life" (Les Echos, February 13th, 2007).
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