Figure 1.

The physiological response to chronic stress. When the brain perceives a stressor, a complex, nonlinear network of primary mediators (glucocorticoids, catecholamines, and cytokines) is released in an effort to regain homeostasis. In response to chronic stressors, prolonged release of these mediators can lead to physiological disruptions and poor secondary outcomes across a range of systems, which ultimately lead to tertiary end points (chronic disease). Adapted from McEwen (2008) and McEwen and Wingfield (2003) with permission from Elsevier