Some studies suggest that chronic stress may contribute to the development of depression.
One study of 816 women with major depression found that the onset of depression was significantly associated with both acute and chronic stress (25).
Another study found that high levels of stress were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms in 240 adolescents (26).
In addition, a study of 38 people with non-chronic major depression found that stressful life events were significantly associated with depressive episodes (27).
Remember that these studies show an association, but don’t necessarily mean that stress causes depression. More research is needed on the role of stress in the development of depression.
Besides stress, other potential contributors to depression include family history, hormone levels, environmental factors and even certain medications.
SUMMARYSome studies have found that high levels of stress may be associated with depression and depressive episodes.
A fast heartbeat and increased heart rate can also be symptoms of high stress levels.
One study measured heart rate reactivity in response to stressful and non-stressful events, finding that heart rate was significantly higher during stressful conditions (28).
Another study in 133 teenagers found that undergoing a stressful task caused an increase in heart rate (29).
In a similar study, exposing 87 students to a stressful task was found to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Interestingly enough, playing relaxing music during the task actually helped prevent these changes (30).
A rapid heartbeat may also be caused by high blood pressure, thyroid disease, certain heart conditions, and by drinking large amounts of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
SUMMARYSeveral studies have shown that high stress levels can cause a fast heartbeat or heart rate. Stressful events or tasks may also increase heart rate.
Exposure to stress may also cause excess sweating.
One small study looked at 20 people with palmar hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excess sweating in the hands. The study assessed their rate of sweating throughout the day using a scale from 0–10.
Stress and exercise both significantly increased the rate of sweating by two to five points in those with palmar hyperhidrosis, as well as in the control group (31).
Another study found that exposure to stress resulted in high amounts of sweating and odor in 40 teenagers (32).
Excess sweating can also be caused by anxiety, heat exhaustion, thyroid conditions and the use of certain medications.
SUMMARYStudies show that stress may cause increased sweating, for both people with sweating conditions like palmar hyperhidrosis and the general population.
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