Conditions that disrupt the body's ability to manage stress effectively, highlighting the importance of a balanced stress response for overall health and well-being.

The stress response, also known as the "fight-or-flight" response, involves a complex interaction between the brain and body designed to help us face perceived threats. However, it can function irregularly depending on whether it's overactive or underactive.

Overactive stress response: This occurs when the body's stress system is hypersensitive, resulting in heightened reactions even to minor stressors. Individuals with an overactive stress response may experience increased anxiety, irritability, rapid heart rate, sweating, high blood pressure, and difficulty calming down. Over time, it can lead to chronic health issues such as cardiovascular problems, weakened immunity, and mental health disorders like generalized anxiety or panic attacks.

Underactive stress response: On the other hand, an underactive stress response may fail to trigger the necessary physiological responses to stress. This can result in inadequate attention to danger or a lack of motivation to address stressful situations. It might leave individuals feeling fatigued, detached, or unmotivated, and can be associated with conditions like depression or adrenal insufficiency, where the body isn't producing enough cortisol (a key stress hormone).