Effects of Stress on the Brain and Body-Psychology Notes

Effects of Stress on the Brain and Body –
Psychology
-Stress is a normal response in the body when people experience situations they
perceive as threats and fear, and it can become complicated and affect our body.




Effects on the brain 🧠
1.​ Prefrontal Cortex
●​ Decreases concentration and memory
●​ Making it difficult to make decisions
2.​ Amygdala
●​ It is activated, causing anxiety, fear and extreme reactions when
there is no danger.
3.​ Hippocampus
●​ Responsible for memory and learning and begins to affect long-term
memory and learning in times of stress.
4.​ Neutransmisores
●​ It increases cortisol and adrenaline, causing mood changes such as
irritability.




Effects on the Body 🩺
1.​ Immune System
●​ Decreases the body's defenses
●​ Risk of diseases and infections
2.​ Cardiovascular System
●​ Increases blood pressure and heart rate
●​ Increases the risk of heart problems
3.​ Digestive System
●​ It could cause gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome in some cases.
●​ Appetite changes such as overeating or undereating
4.​ Muscular System
●​ Tension in parts of the body such as the neck, shoulders and back
●​ Chronic pain
5.​ Dream and Energy