The Biology and Psychology of Chronic Stress

In this episode, we discussed how chronic stress affects the body. We touch on how the acute stress response differs from the chronic stress response, delve into the biology of chronic stress including the all-important role of cortisol, and discuss mind-brain-body interactions that can both lead to stress and help overcome it.

Review: “Chronic Stress, Cortisol Dysfunction, and Pain: A Psychoneuroendocrine Rationale for Stress Management in Pain Rehabilitation” (Hannibal & Bishop, 2014)

The complex relationship between circadian rhythms, cortisol, and stress:

“Diurnal cortisol slopes and mental and physical health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis”

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) for chronic stress:

“Biobehavioral Mechanisms of Mindfulness as a Treatment for Chronic Stress: An RDoC Perspective” (Garland et al., 2017)