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Chronic Life Event Burden

Meaning

Chronic Life Event Burden refers to the cumulative physiological and psychological toll exerted by a sustained exposure to significant, stressful life circumstances or a series of moderately taxing events over an extended period. This burden is not merely the sum of individual stressors but reflects the persistent activation of the body’s allostatic response systems. Clinically, it is a crucial factor in understanding the etiology of HPA axis dysregulation, immune suppression, and the exacerbation of metabolic conditions. Recognizing this burden allows for a more holistic and empathetic treatment strategy.