How can you measure the physiological effects chronic stress is having on your patients?
More importantly, how do you manage your patients when you think underlying stress is contributing to their complaints? During the last 20 years, longitudinal scientific research has analyzed the physiological effects of stress on the body, and the deleterious effect on the various body systems when our hardwired stress response is constantly triggered by today's fast-paced, hectic life. This continually triggered "fight or flight" response moves the body into a state of allostasis, and the cumulative "wear and tear" that this bodily state causes is called allostatic load.
The outcome of this research demonstrates that allostatic load is a contributor to, and can exacerbate a variety of chronic diseases including, but not limited to:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Liver disease (hepatitis)
- Migraine headaches
- Kidney urine infection & kidney stones
- Cervical Cancer
- Hyper/Hypothyroidism
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
Included in the following archive are links to more information on the concept of allostasis and allostatic load, along with the current uptake in the medical community.
Allostasis & Allostatic Load - Continuing Medical Education (CME)
An introduction into the concept of allostasis and allostatic load and how the allostatic load diagnostic test was created. This document provides insight into proactively identify and treat patients whose allostatic load is elevated.
Allostasis and AL - CME.pdf
Frequently Asked Medical Questions on Allostatic Load
An FAQ style document that answers some of the common questions asked by medical professionals.
Key FAQ's for Physicians.pdf
Allostatic Load Empirical Evidence - Morbidity & Mortality
The following document outlines the empirical evidence linking allostatic load to morbidity and mortality with study citations.
Allostatic Load Empirical Evidence on Morbidity-Mortality.pdf
Executive Summary on Allostatic Load - Concept and Potential Use in Clinical Care
Dr. Arun Karlamangla, the assistant professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, succinctly describes the concept of allostatic load and its potential use in the clinical care setting.
Exec Summary - Concept and Use of AL.pdf
Allostasis & Allostatic Load Background/History
A comprehensive timeline and presentation on the development of the allostatic load concept through scientific research and how it is growing in recognition in the medical community.
History-Background Allostatic Load.pdf