Stress induced diseases – the silent epidemic

Abstract:

Stress is a universal physiological and psychological response to internal or external demands. While acute stress can be adaptive, chronic and uncontrolled stress has emerged as a silent epidemic globally, contributing significantly to major non-communicable diseases. This review investigates the physiological mechanisms underlying stress-induced disorders, with emphasis on neuroendocrine activation, hormonal imbalance, and systemic inflammatory pathways. Prolonged hypersecretion of cortisol and catecholamines alters metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and neurological functioning, increasing the risk for anxiety, depression, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Preventive strategies including lifestyle modification, stress management therapy, physical activity, and nutritional interventions are discussed. Addressing chronic stress is essential to reduce global disease burden and improve quality of life.