Psychologic Correlates of Serum Indicators of Stress in Man: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Correlations between serum uric acid, cortisol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and psychometric indices of stress-namely, anxiety, hostility, and depression-were investigated in 20 students over a 2Vi month academic quarter. There were three peak periods of stress, with two occurring during midterm and final exams. The observed changes in serum cortisol were highly correlated with changes in anxiety and depression. Serum uric acid was significantly depressed during the first half of the quarter, but returned to control levels after midterm exams. Serum cholesterol and the LDL cholesterol subtraction were significantly elevated above control levels and remained elevated throughout the quarter after the first day of classes. Absolute levels of HDL cholesterol varied little throughout the quarter however, the ratio of HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol was significantly depressed twice in the quarter, each time following approximately 10 days after the peak period of stress.

Lipid and Lipoprotein Cardiovascular Risk Factor Responses to Episodic Academic Stress.

“…4) Substantial evidence indicates that mental stress is associated with elevations in serum lipid concentration, 4) and increases in cholesterol levels following academic examinations have been documented. [5][6][7][8] The majority of the previous studies measured only cholesterol levels, while some also showed that the levels of other lipids and lipoprotein were affected. 4,8) Most of the reported studies were conducted in the Caucasian population.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] The majority of the previous studies measured only cholesterol levels, while some also showed that the levels of other lipids and lipoprotein were affected. 4,8) Most of the reported studies were conducted in the Caucasian population. This present study was conducted in the black African population, in whom coronary heart diseases were known to be low [9][10] ; recently, however, high cholesterol levels have been reported in apparently healthy businessmen in a certain community in Nigeria.…”

Cholinomimetic and anticholinergic drugs used to investigate an acetylcholine hypothesis of affective disorders and stress

“…The body's reaction to stress is multidimensional, and includes gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, behavioral, analgesic, immunologic, endocrinologic, psychologic-behavioral and psychopathologic changes [Anisman and Zacharko, 1982;Akiskal and McKinney, 1973, 19751,Depending on the perspective of the investigator, the phenomenon of stress has been characterized using neuroendocrine measures (such as changes in serum ACTH, cortisol, betaendorphin, growth hormone, arginine-vasopressin, and prolactin), changes in pulse and blood pressure, changes in peripheral sympathetic neurohormones, and changes in mood and behavior, including the induction of negative affects such as anxiety, depression, and hostility [Anisman et al, 1981;Selye, 1936Selye, , 1956Selye, , 1976Usdin et al, 1980;Rabkin and Streuning, 1976;Weiss, 1971a,b,c;Francis, 1979;Baum et al, 19821. Information from animal studies has accumulated suggesting that the manifestations of stress may be mediated by complex alterations in central neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) [Anisman and Zacharko, 19821. Acetylcholine, a major central and peripheral autonomic neurotransmitter, may also have a role in the mediation of stress responses, although such a role for this chemical has not been widely investigated.…”

Mood changes in the course of preparation for the Brazilian university admission exam - a longitudinal study

“…[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Nevertheless, although this kind of study has been done ever since 1914 16 and in that time has generated a considerable amount of scientific literature, there are still some methodological issues that compromise their findings. Stowell reviewed these limitations and made some recommendations for future research.…”

“…Francis, in a longitudinal study, found that depression and hostility, as well as anxiety, were sensitive to university examinations. 9 In a cross-sectional design, Farne and Sebellico reported that tension, depression, vigor, fatigue and confusion were associated with academic examinations, but that anger was not. 18 Also with a cross-sectional design, McIntyre et al reported that the stress of an imminent examination was associated with an increased Negative Affect, an aspect of affect that reflects a person's general level of subjective distress, but no variation in Positive Affect, which reflects positive emotional experiences.…”