A client is curious about the impact of chronic stress on the development of depression. Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between chronic stress and depression according to the text?
"Chronic stress can lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol that can support neuronal growth and survival.".
"Chronic stress can lead to hypoactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in reduced levels of cortisol that enhance neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.".
"Chronic stress can lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol that can impair neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.".
"Chronic stress can lead to hypoactivity of the HPA axis, resulting in reduced levels of cortisol that improve neurotrophic factors and cognitive function.".
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Chronic stress is known to activate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to increased cortisol production. While cortisol is important for various physiological functions, chronic elevation of cortisol due to stress can actually have detrimental effects on the brain. Elevated cortisol levels have been associated with impaired neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and synaptic plasticity (the ability of synapses to change and adapt), both of which play crucial roles in maintaining cognitive function and mental health.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress typically leads to hyperactivity, not hypoactivity, of the HPA axis, resulting in increased levels of cortisol. The increased cortisol levels can negatively impact neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, which are key factors in depression and cognitive function.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct statement. Chronic stress triggers hyperactivity of the HPA axis, causing elevated levels of cortisol. While cortisol is meant to help the body cope with stress in the short term, chronic elevation can lead to adverse effects on the brain. High cortisol levels have been linked to impaired neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, contributing to the development of depression and cognitive deficits.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress tends to lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis and elevated cortisol levels. Reduced cortisol levels, as suggested in this choice, are not commonly associated with chronic stress and its impact on depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Social support refers to the network of family, friends, and community that provide emotional and practical assistance. Depression can be influenced by inadequate social support, as having a strong support system can buffer against the development and exacerbation of depressive symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Personalization involves attributing external events to oneself, often in a negative manner. While this cognitive distortion is relevant to depression, it is not mentioned in the question stem and does not directly relate to cognitive processes influenced by depression.
Choice C rationale:
Cognitive distortions are irrational and negative thought patterns that are common in depression. These distortions contribute to the maintenance of depressive symptoms. Examples include all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing.
Choice D rationale:
Catastrophizing involves magnifying the negative significance of events. While it can contribute to depressive thought patterns, it is not as central to cognitive processes influenced by depression as cognitive distortions are.
Choice E rationale:
Interpersonal relationships are affected by depression and can also contribute to its development. The question does not focus on the effects of depression on relationships, but rather on the factors that can influence or be influenced by depression.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic stress is known to activate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to increased cortisol production. While cortisol is important for various physiological functions, chronic elevation of cortisol due to stress can actually have detrimental effects on the brain. Elevated cortisol levels have been associated with impaired neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and synaptic plasticity (the ability of synapses to change and adapt), both of which play crucial roles in maintaining cognitive function and mental health.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress typically leads to hyperactivity, not hypoactivity, of the HPA axis, resulting in increased levels of cortisol. The increased cortisol levels can negatively impact neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, which are key factors in depression and cognitive function.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct statement. Chronic stress triggers hyperactivity of the HPA axis, causing elevated levels of cortisol. While cortisol is meant to help the body cope with stress in the short term, chronic elevation can lead to adverse effects on the brain. High cortisol levels have been linked to impaired neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, contributing to the development of depression and cognitive deficits.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress tends to lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis and elevated cortisol levels. Reduced cortisol levels, as suggested in this choice, are not commonly associated with chronic stress and its impact on depression.
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