Conditions

Stress

The term "stress" refers to any reaction to a physical, mental, social, or emotional stimulus that requires a response or alteration to the way we perform, think or feel. Some people handle stress well, and it has little impact on their emotional or physical health. Others are very negatively influenced by it. Stress can cause both minor and severe negative physiological effects.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Persistent re-experiencing of the trauma-flashbacks, dreams, intrusive thoughts, intense distress when relived, accompanying physiologic responses
• Active avoidance of stimuli that prompts recollection-inability to recall aspects of the trauma
• Detachment, decrease in emotional responsiveness, restricted range of affect and activity, sense of detachment from the body, alterations in memory or cognition
• Sense of a foreshortened future
• Impulsive and risk-taking behaviors
• Hopelessness akin to major depressive disorders
• Increased arousal, startled response, hypervigilance, insomnia
• Decreased occupational and social functioning
• Stress is also implicated in and can exacerbate illness (e.g., gastrointestinal, cardiac, cancer) as well as recuperation time and outcome

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis (when called for) is usually made based off of symptoms and information on the patient's lifestyle and psychological history. In some cases, a psychiatric exam and psychological testing may be required.

Treatment Options:

• Acute stress is usually self-limiting with symptoms decreasing with time. Chronic stress requires a longer treatment period with most patients being more responsive to a multifaceted approach
• Crisis intervention-provides support, acceptance, education, meets health needs
• Psychotherapy-mastering fear and overcoming avoidance behaviors in a phase-oriented approach is correlated with effective outcomes (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy)

Traditional Treatments:

If stress manifests itself as anxiety or depression, your doctor may recommend a short-term course of medication. An anti-anxiety agent such as lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam (Valium), or an antidepressant such as amiltriptyline (Elavil), may help you get through a single very stressful episode. Both types of medications have a multitude of potential side effects, however. Be sure to talk these over with your doctor before taking these medications.

Handling long-term repeated stress requires changing your diet and lifestyle to strengthen your body and mind so they can deal with the stress.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Body-mind techniques such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and breath-work are the cornerstone for treatment of both acute and chronic stress. Homeopathy may be used acutely for grief, trauma, and anxiety; nutrition and herbs can provide long-term support and minimize complications.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Take a good multivitamin and supplement daily.
• Stress is usually associated with compromised adrenal function. Take 150 to 200 mg of adrenal glandular, twice a day for three weeks.
• Calcium and magnesium are required by the central nervous system, and they are depleted by stress. Take a good calcium and magnesium formula that provides 1,000 mg of calcium and 500 mg of magnesium, twice a day.
• Gastrointestinal problems are often associated with stress. Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg of L-glutamine, two to three times daily for up to three months.
• Stress often results in depleted "friendly" bacteria. Take a probiotic supplement. Follow label directions.
• The B vitamins are very important for proper nervous system functions. Take a good B-complex formula that supplies 25 to 50 mg of each of the major B vitamins daily. Also take 250mg of stress fighting pantothenic acid twice daily plus 500 mcg of vitamin B12 twice a day for up to one month.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids support the adrenal glands. Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids daily.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, which can be depressed by stress. Choose a formula containing mixed tocopherols, and start by taking 200 IU daily. Then gradually increase the dosage until you are taking 400 IU of vitamin E twice daily.
  Warning: If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• Zinc supports the immune system. Take up to 100mg of zinc daily from all sources. If you take over 30 mg of zinc for more than one month, you should also take 1 or 2 mg of copper to maintain a proper mineral balance.
• Gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) acts as a tranquilizer and is important for proper brain function. Take 750 mg twice daily. Take 50 mg inositol and 500 mg niacinamide to enhance effectiveness.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) can ease depression. Follow the label directions.
• Taurine is an essential amino acid for brain and heart protections. Follow the label directions.

Alternative Therapies:

• Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that acts as a sedative and nerve tonic.
• Bilberry prevents destruction, mutation, and premature death of cells throughout the body.
• Ginkgo biloba aids in proper brain function and good circulation.
• Milk thistle cleanses and protects the liver, and has antioxidant properties.
• Catnip is effective anti-stress herb that also causes drowsiness.
• Chamomile is a gentle relaxant.
  Warning: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Dong quai, rehmannia, and shizandra support the kidneys, adrenal glands, and central nervous system.
• Hops helps to ease nervousness, restlessness, and stress.
• Kava kava relaxes the mind as well as the body.
• Passionflower is calming and is a potent addition to any anti-stress formula.
• Polygala root and sour jujube seed are powerful Chinese herbs known to soothe and calm the spirit.
• St. John's wort is good for depression and nerve pain.
• Siberian ginseng helps the body cope with stress.
• Skullcap is good for nervous disorders.
• Valerian is a powerful sleep aid and helps to ease stress-related headaches.
• Wild oat is said to restore balance to the nervous system.
• Astragalus helps the body cope with stress.

General Recommendations:

• Exercise helps dissipate the stress-induced chemicals affecting your body.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mantras, or yoga.
• Limit your intake of caffeine.
• Get sufficient sleep.
• Identify and take steps to remove (as many as you can) all sources of stress in your life.

Warnings:

• If you are under stress and start noticing such symptoms of fatigue, abnormal intolerance to cold, hair loss, and dry skin, hair, and nails, consult your doctor. You may have developed a thyroid problem.
• If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed.