30 Stress and adolescents
Whenever we encountered something stressful, it could be as small as doing something challenging to as big as losing a loved one unexpectedly, these events illicit stressful response in our body. Specifically, there are two routes that we go through when we experience a stressful event: a fast response through the Sympathetic-Adreno-Medullar System and a slow response through the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal System
Sympathetic-Adreno-Medullar (SAM) System
The body’s quick response to stress is triggered by activation of the Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) system. When a stressor is perceived, the adrenal medulla releases the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) into the bloodstream. In addition, norepinephrine is also released directly from sympathetic nerve endings. This surge of hormones stimulates the central nervous system, muscles, and organs throughout the body, leading to physiological changes such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened alertness. These changes prepare the body to respond rapidly to a threat—a reaction commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. This system plays a key role in our ability to respond to immediate danger.
Video 4.4.1 The Sympathetic Nervous System and how it functions when we are exposed to a stressor.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal System
The body’s slower, longer-lasting response to stress is enabled by activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. When a stressor is detected, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which then signals the anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex, where it stimulates the release of glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol. Cortisol plays a key role in helping the body manage and recover from stress by regulating blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and metabolism. This system supports sustained energy and balance during prolonged stress.
Video 4.4.2 The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal System and how it functions when we are exposed to a stressor.
Stress in adolescence
The SAM and HPA systems enable the body to prepare for and respond to stressors. However, in adolescence, these systems are not yet as fully developed or regulated as they are in adulthood, making adolescents particularly sensitive to stress-induced neurobehavioral dysfunction. As adolescents typically have less experience coping with stress, they may be more vulnerable to its effects compared to adults. Chronic stress during this period can lead to serious consequences, including increased substance use, heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms, and even long-term impacts on physical health. For example, prolonged stress can impair the immune system and contribute to metabolic disorders, highlighting the importance of early support and intervention.
It is important to support adolescence during this time period. Some ways to help adolescences to cope with stress includes:
- model proper stress coping mechanisms
- encourage participation in organized sports
- increase voluntary outdoor play
- collaborate with schools and family
- address and modify cognitive biases.
In conclusion, the body has highly sophisticated systems in place to regulate and respond to stress. However, experiencing chronic or prolonged stress can have serious consequences, especially during adolescence. This developmental period is marked by rapid changes in relationships, responsibilities, and environments—all of which can be significant sources of stress. Supporting adolescents as they navigate these challenges and helping them develop effective coping strategies is essential for promoting healthy cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
