Toxic Stress: Definition, Causes, & Treatment

What Is Toxic Stress?

Toxic stress occurs when the fight or flight response is activated too often or too long by perceived threats, problems, or demands. While this response happens naturally, toxic stress can cause persistent and severe consequences. Chronic stress heightens cortisol levels, often contributing to chronic illness, infections, injuries, mental illnesses, and addictive disorders.^1,2,3

Toxic Stress Symptoms

Toxic stress affects everyone differently. Some individuals may display more symptoms than others, but the effects can be equally distressing and uncomfortable. Toxic stress in adults may manifest as impulsivity, decreased interest in activities, and increased anxiety. Childhood toxic stress can cause abnormal development and permanent structural changes in the brain closely linked to cognitive impairment, severe mental illness and addiction, and a range of chronic health issues.

Symptoms of toxic stress may include:^4,5

• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal upset (such as stress-induced constipation)
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, or respiration
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Changes in appetite, eating, and weight
• Trouble regulating emotions
• Increased anxiety and irritability
• Depression or mood swings
• Impulsive, risky, or destructive behavior patterns
• Increased use of substances or alcohol
• Difficulty focusing, concentrating, or remembering things
• Inability to feel present or engaged in activities
• Impaired functioning in one or more areas of life
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Racing thoughts or negative thoughts about self and future

Signs of Toxic Stress

Similar to symptoms, the signs of chronic and toxic stress manifest differently depending on the individual and situation. Toxic stress in children and teens is particularly harmful because it impacts normal development, possibly producing long-lasting effects on physical and mental health.^1,2

Children may exhibit decreased academic performance, defiance, and aggression. Toxic stress in adults may manifest in their work, family, and relationship obligations. They may struggle to fulfill responsibilities and lose interest in once-enjoyed activities.

Signs of toxic stress may include:^1,2,6

• Dropping grades or poor work performance
• Increased behavioral outbursts and tantrums in children
• Reduced interest in social and recreational activities
• Aggressive behaviors or fighting in older kids/teens
• Increased defiance or rebellion
• Fidgeting, restlessness, or trouble sitting still
• Increased separation anxiety in younger children
• Bedwetting or toileting accidents in younger children
• Cutting or other forms of self-injury

Causes of Toxic Stress

Various stressors can lead to toxic stress. Ongoing stressors, trauma, or prolonged exposure to adversity can accumulate over time and result in the physical and mental impacts associated with chronic stress.

Possible triggers and causes of toxic stress include:^1,4,5,7

• Job loss or change in employment status
• Bankruptcy or an unexpected change in financial status
• Chronic or terminal illness
• The death of a parent, spouse, or other loved one
• An accident that leads to a serious injury
• Divorce or separation from a significant other
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Being the victim of a crime
• Traumatic events
• Racial or cultural prejudice and oppression
• Toxic work environments
• Family conflict and discord
• Lack of safe, adequate housing
• High exposure to crime
• Being bullied or harassed
• Having a physical or developmental disability

Physical & Mental Health Effects of Toxic Stress

Toxic or chronic stress can have severe effects on physical and mental health. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, initiating a chemical chain reaction that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Normal and tolerable stress typically temporarily changes how a person thinks, feels, and behaves without lasting effects. However, a toxic stress response occurs too often, resulting in heightened cortisol levels and long-term effects.

Possible effects of toxic stress include:^2,3,7

• Weakened immune system & more frequent infections
• Higher rates of chronic illnesses
• Higher rates of mental illnesses
• Poor coping and emotion regulation skills
• Increased vulnerability to substance addictions
• Impairments in memory, learning, and thinking

How Can Toxic Stress Impact Brain Development?

Adversity, trauma, and chronic stress in childhood can be detrimental to all aspects of a child’s health and development. Toxic stress affects the brains of children, sometimes leading to permanent structural changes and emotional, behavioral, and cognitive health issues.^1,3,6,7

Exposure to toxic stress in children may lead to long-term impacts, such as:

• Being in an abusive relationship
• Substance misuse
• Suicide attempts
• Developing heart disease or liver disease
• Chronic illnesses like asthma or auto-immune disorders
• Cognitive impairments affecting learning and memory
• Poorer executive functioning (i.e., planning, decision-making, etc.)
• Destructive habits like gambling or promiscuity

Can Toxic Stress Be Prevented?

Certain internal and external factors make a person more likely to experience chronic stress. While individuals cannot always control their environment or physical and mental health problems, they can take preventative action to protect against the long-term impacts of toxic stress.

Risk and protective factors of toxic stress include:^1,2,7