Definition: Acute stress is experienced in response to an immediate perceived threat, either physical, emotional or psychological. The threat can be real or imagined; it’s the perception of threat that triggers the response. During an acute stress response, the autonomic nervous system is activated and the body experiences increased levels of cortisol, adrenalin and other hormones that produce an increased heart rate, quickened breathing rate, and higher blood pressure. Blood is shunted from the extremities to the big muscles, preparing the body to fight or run away. This is also known as the fight-or-flight response.
Also Known As: fight-or-flight response, fight/flight response
Common Misspellings: accute stress
