The physiology of stress and stress recovery

Stress (i.e. the state of threatened homeostasis), is normally associated with adaptive physical and behavioural changes that promote individual survival. Successful maintenance of homeostasis leads to the state of eustasis, which represents health. The prolonged, excessive, or deficient response of the stress system to stress, however, may lead to a state of dyshomeostasis or cacostasis, which may lead to physical and mental health problems. Although research has focused on the detrimental effects of stress, only a few studies have been done on positive stress exposure adaptations. Increased resilience, post-traumatic psychological growth, and increased empathy may benefit chronically stressed individuals, enhancing their abilities to cope with distress. Therapeutic efforts in the treatment of short- or long-term stress aims at reducing its effect on neuroendocrine responses, behaviour changes, and so on. Community investments and interventions should focus on reducing threats and promoting positive adaptation during and after traumatic stress exposures.