Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Stress

Stress can be defined as the way you feel when you're under pressure, for example, if you are speaking in public for the first time.

Some stress can be positive and research suggests that a moderate level of stress makes us perform better. It also makes us more alert and can help us in challenging situations. Stressful situations can also be exhilarating and some people actually thrive on the excitement that comes with dangerous sports or other high-risk activities.

However, stress is only healthy as a short-lived response. Excessive or prolonged stress can lead to illness and physical and emotional exhaustion. Research has shown that around 12 million adults see their GP's with mental health problems each year. Most of these suffer from anxiety and depression, much of it stress related.

Mental illnesses affect 1 in 4 people at some point during their lives.

• Causes
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Complications
• Prevention
• Treatment

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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