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Acute Stress Management

Meaning

This refers to the immediate, physiological, and behavioral strategies employed to mitigate the negative impact of a sudden, short-duration stressor on the body’s homeostatic balance. Effective acute stress management minimizes the excessive and prolonged release of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which can otherwise disrupt metabolic and immune functions. Clinical practice emphasizes rapid deceleration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response following the resolution of the immediate threat. Maintaining neuroendocrine equilibrium during high-demand situations is paramount for preserving long-term health.