Stress Management Training Stress & Mental Health

Question 1

Which mental health condition is most directly caused by prolonged, unmanaged chronic stress?

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Answer

GAD is strongly linked to chronic stress, characterized by persistent, excessive worry about everyday events that is difficult to control.

Question 2

How does chronic stress primarily affect the hippocampus in the brain?

Accepted Answer

It causes hippocampal atrophy impairing memory and learning

Answer

Prolonged cortisol exposure from chronic stress suppresses neurogenesis and can cause structural atrophy in the hippocampus, impairing memory and emotional regulation.

Question 3

What is the relationship between stress and depression according to the HPA axis dysregulation model?

Accepted Answer

Stress activates the HPA axis, causing prolonged cortisol elevation linked to depression

Answer

Chronic stress dysregulates the HPA axis, resulting in sustained elevated cortisol that is associated with neurobiological changes underlying major depressive disorder.

Question 4

Which stress management approach is recommended as a first-line intervention for mild to moderate depression related to stress?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

CBT is recommended by major clinical guidelines (APA, NICE) as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression, targeting stress-related thought patterns.

Question 5

What is 'allostatic load' in the context of stress and mental health?

Accepted Answer

The cumulative physiological wear and tear from chronic stress over time

Answer

Allostatic load refers to the cumulative damage to the body and brain from repeated or chronic stress exposure, associated with increased risk for mental and physical illness.

Stress Management Training Practice Test

Stress Management Training Practice Test

Stress Management Training Stress & Mental Health