Final answer:
Adult patients worry about health concerns and the physical and psychological effects of stressors, which can lead to a host of stress-related diseases. The chronic activation of stress responses, not suited for long-term activation, compromises the immune system and leads to increased susceptibility to disease, especially in late adulthood. Work-related stress and interpersonal conflicts in healthcare settings can further aggravate these concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an illness occurs, adult patients face a variety of stressors that impact them both physically and mentally. Adults may hold concerns about their health condition, which can be heightened due to associated stress. The work of Robert Sapolsky suggests that while humans have evolved to handle stress, chronic stress can lead to stress-related diseases such as heart disease. This is because our physiological system, designed to deal with acute physical threats, is not intended to be activated continually over long periods, such as months or years.
Psychological disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and other psychiatric conditions can arise from severe or prolonged stress. Similarly, stress can lead to the progression of various physical illnesses, as the immune system is one of the primary pathways through which emotional factors lead to disease. Particularly during late adulthood, the immune system’s weakened state makes it harder for individuals to fend off diseases, and the risk of chronic conditions rises.
Potential stressors can be acute, like an injury or traumatic event, or chronic, such as long-term unemployment or caregiving. Ongoing exposure to stressors may result in the stage of exhaustion, where the body can no longer adapt, leading to severe illness or even death. Adults may have added stress from work overload, heavy physical work, and interpersonal problems with medical staff, further exacerbating their situation when ill.