1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Palliative Care

Stress Definition

By Angela Morrow, RN, About.com

Updated June 18, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Stress is the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response.

Stress can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or anxious.

Stress is caused by an existing stress-causing factor or "stressor."

Dealing with a serious illness or caring for someone who is can cause a great deal of stress.

Also Known As: distress
Explore Palliative Care
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Palliative Care
  4. Glossary
  5. Stress - Definition of Stress>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.