Stress

Symptoms

Acute stress manifests itself in the following physiological reactions of the organism, among others:

• Increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Increased blood flow and energy supply to skeletal muscles.
• Fast breathing
• Decreased activity of the intestine and urogenital tract.
• Reduced sex drive
• General activation, tension
• Pupil dilation

Complications

Unlike acute and positively experienced stress (eustress), continuous stress makes you sick. The so-called disstress (negative stress) is a risk factor for numerous psychological, psychosomatic and physical health problems. They occur if one’s own resources are not sufficient to cope with the stress or to get used to it (imbalance between stress and relief factors) and if there is no sufficient regeneration. Uncontrolled permanent stress is therefore not harmless, but in extreme cases even life-threatening. Consequential stress disorders include: Psychological effects:

• Exhaustion, lack of energy, loss of interest, lack of drive, tension, irritability, aggression, anger, fatigue, dissatisfaction.
• Sleep disorders
• Unhealthy behavior: Food, alcohol, intoxicants, stimulants.
• Social isolation
• Burnout
• Low spirits, depression (“stress depression”)
• Anxiety disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Suicidality

Physical effects:

• Digestive disorders, cardiovascular disorders, coronary heart disease (CHD).
• Muscle and back pain
• Tension headache, migraine
• Impotence
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Atopic circle of forms
• Fibromyalgia
• Hypertension
• Immunodeficiency, infectious diseases
• Diabetes
• Premature aging

Causes

Stress arises in response to a so-called stressor, that is, a stress factor that triggers stress. The perception of stress is very individual. Stress occurs when the demands placed on a person are greater than his or her ability to cope and control them. Biochemically, stress is triggered by the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which are secreted by the adrenal gland.

Diagnosis

If stress reaches a level that is beyond the individual’s capabilities or if symptoms of illness already appear, the patient should seek primary care. Stress can be assessed, for example, with a questionnaire or with laboratory methods (stress tests).

Nonpharmacologic treatment

• Elimination of the causes
• Coping strategies (coping strategies, stress management skills).
• Relaxation techniques such as yoga, muscle relaxation, autogenic training.
• Time management, set priorities
• Good preparation
• Social support (family, friends)
• Clarification of the triggering situation, conversations.
• Systematic problem identification and resolution
• Increase resilience, building skills
• Know your limits, do not overexert yourself and take into account his health
• Physical activity, sports
• Provide sufficient balance and relaxation
• Healthy diet

Drug treatment

Herbal medications:

• The adaptogen rose root is approved in many countries to relieve physical and mental symptoms of stress and overwork.
• Other adaptogens: ginseng, taiga root.
• Herbal sedatives, e.g. valerian, hops, passionflower, lemon balm.
• Herbal antidepressants: St. John’s wort.
• Herbal anxiolytics: Kava (out of trade)
• Herbal spasmolytics: Butterbur

Sedatives, sleeping pills:

• Antihistamines

Vitamins:

• Vitamin B complex

Prescription drugs:

• Antidepressants
• Neuroleptics
• Beta blockers

Alcohol and other intoxicants are not suitable for treatment because they tend to worsen rather than improve problems.