What is the Origin of Stress-Induced Pathology?

This term is a clinical refinement of the General Adaptation Syndrome concept developed by Hans Selye, moving from a general state of "exhaustion" to the identification of specific, stress-driven disease states. The concept is deeply embedded in psychoneuroendocrinology, which provides the molecular evidence linking chronic hormonal imbalance to cellular damage and disease progression.

What is the Mechanism of Stress-Induced Pathology?

The underlying mechanism involves the prolonged overexposure of tissues to glucocorticoids and catecholamines, the primary mediators of the stress response. Chronic hypercortisolemia promotes visceral fat deposition, suppresses T-cell function, and compromises the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Over time, this hormonal imbalance leads to systemic inflammation, endothelial damage, and metabolic derangement, ultimately crossing the threshold into overt, diagnosable pathology.

Stress-Induced Pathology ∞ Area

Stress-Induced Pathology

Meaning

Stress-Induced Pathology refers to the development of specific diseases or measurable organ system dysfunctions that are directly caused or significantly exacerbated by chronic activation of the body’s physiological stress response. This is a clinical recognition that sustained allostatic load is not merely a risk factor but a direct etiological agent in various chronic conditions. Examples include stress-mediated hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, and immune-related disorders.