About This Quiz
You can't avoid stress -- it's everywhere! And no matter the source of your stress, it's doing certain things to your body. Take this quiz to find out what's going on when stress sets in.Medical research suggests that up to 90 percent of all illness and disease is stress-related.
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During times of acute stress, fluids are diverted from nonessential locations, including the mouth. This causes dryness and difficulty talking. In addition, stress can cause spasms of the throat muscles, making it difficult to swallow.
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Alopecia areata is hair loss that occurs in localized patches.
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Studies have connected long-term exposure to excess amounts of cortisol to shrinking of the hippocampus, the brain's memory center.
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HPA refers to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.
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Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones, a class that includes the primary stress hormone cortisol. The HPA systems trigger the production and release of these hormones.
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During a stressful event, neurotransmitters suppress activity in areas at the front of the brain concerned with short-term memory, which allows the person to react quickly to the stressor. At the same time, neurotransmitters signal the hippocampus to store the experience in long-term memory.
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During the stress response, the spleen discharges red and white blood cells, allowing the blood to transport more oxygen throughout the body. Blood flow may increase 300 to 400 percent, priming the muscles, lungs and brain for added demands.
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A report issued in October 2006 by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended more unstructured play time for children. The report noted that today's overscheduled, hurried lifestyle was a source of stress and anxiety for children.
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In one 2002 study, high doses of vitamin C reduced stress levels and blood pressure. However, the doses given were higher than the recommended upper limit of 2,000 mg per day. High doses may cause headaches and diarrhea. Long-term use increases risk for kidney stones and has other adverse effects in specific individuals.
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The first step of conquering your stress inducers is to identify them.
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Going too long without the sharp stimulating response brought on by stress, the body tends to lose some of its ability to handle stress properly.
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Lack of sleep causes mood changes, poor eating habits and an increase in stress levels.
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Twenty-five percent of all prescriptions written in the U.S are for tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications.
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Stress and depression have much in common. One often leads to the other.
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Short-term (a healthy dose) stress activates brain cells. This brain stimulation may prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
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Long-term stress stimulates growth of the proteins that might cause Alzheimer’s and can lead to memory loss.
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Seventy-five percent of the general population has some amount of stress about twice per month.
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Women are more susceptible to developing depression because of stress. Sex hormones modulate stress response.
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Stress contributes to the development of alcoholism, obesity, suicide, drug addiction, and other harmful behaviors.
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