Acute Reactions
As a result of stress a person can suffer an acute reaction that may be psychological,
physiological or behavioural in nature.
Acute psychological reactions
The key word here is 'reactions'. Depression or anxiety following a
significant traumatic event can be expected. When there is no valid reason or
the reaction develops into a chronic condition, expert assistance is required.
- Depression - this can range from short term 'sadness' to long-term and profound
depression. Many types of negatiove experiences can trigger depression and its
severity depends on the individual, the cause and other factors. Expert attention
may be required to counteract long-term symptoms.
- Anxiety - this factor can cause symptoms that range from mild apprehension
to panic attacks. Like depression, many causes can trigger anxiety and a number
of factors can contribute to its impact.
- Job dissatisfaction - stress outside of work can be generalised to the workplace.
This can result in levels of job satisfaction being reduced. Perhaps the person
will 'scapegoat' their personal problems to work-related causes.
Acute physiological reactions
Sometimes stress or trauma (psychological processes) are accompanied by physical
symptoms.
- Heart rate - tachycardia or increased heart rate (palpitations) is a common
physical manifestation of anxiety. Medical attention should be sought if this
becomes an ongoing symptom.
- Blood pressure - lifestyle factors are usually associated with high or low
blood pressure. However blood pressure levels can be affected by stress or trauma.
Acute behavioural reactions
A persons behaviour may alter when they are under stress.
- Sleep problems - a person's sleep patterns can be affected in different ways
when they are under stress. Some people experience problems staying awake, some
may sleep much longer than normal. Others have difficulty falling or staying asleep
or sleep at different times of the day. These are serious symptoms and medical
attention should be sought if they persist.
- Substance abuse - this may be tied in with the way in which a person may
choose to entertain themselves during their times of recreation. However people
who are depressed or have other psychological or psychiatric conditions may choose
to 'self-medicate' with alcohol or other drugs. Treatment of an underlying condition
may eliminate the presenting problem of substance abuse.
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