Stress: How stressed are we? This new self-test provides accurate results

A new device displays the own Stress levels

Stress is unhealthy and promotes numerous heart diseases and has a negative effect on the Psyche. But what does it actually mean when someone says: “I’m stressed.” So far, there is no proper method to detect a harmful Stress levels. A simple self-test can change this now. An American research team developed a simple Test that makes the number of stress hormones in the body fluids identified.

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a way to quickly and easily find out how stressed a Person is actually. The easy-to-use Test shows the number of stress hormones in the blood, sweat, saliva, or urine, and so gives a reliable first indication of whether the own stress workload is hazardous to health. The results of the study were recently presented in the journal “American Chemical Society”.

New Test makes harmful Stress visible

An American research group is a breakthrough in stress research recently. They developed a simple Test that shows how you stressed just is. The aim of the research is to develop a device that everyone can use at home to monitor his Stress level, so you can go in time in expert hands, when the Stress becomes a health hazard. All that is required is a drop of blood, sweat, urine, or saliva, because Stress hormones are found in all body fluids. The new device measures with the help of ultraviolet light, then the number of Stress Biomarkers in the body fluid.

From personal experience, scientific research

The idea for the Stress Test, was Director of research Professor Andrew Steckl from a personal experience. When his father fell ill, he had to bring him up quite often to the lab or to the doctor, to conduct various Tests. “I thought it would be great if he could do the Tests and see if he’s in trouble,” says Steckl said in a press release of the study results. He would like to spare patients unnecessary trips to the doctor and necessary visibility.

Stress harms us in many ways

The first author of the study Prajokta Ray highlights many of the harmful effects on the health, the look of regularly high levels of Stress. “Many physical ailments such as Diabetes, hypertension, and mental disorders are attributed to Stress,” emphasizes the expert. Dealing with Stress in the last few years an increasing relevance in the field of medicine. In addition to the private use of the new Test have a high importance for people who are exposed to extreme loads, such as pilots. Such a stress test could give the ground control a Feedback on the Stress-workload of the pilot. So you can intervene before the Level reaches a critical level.

Not a substitute for a doctor’s visit

“The Stress-Test can not replace full laboratory blood test,” says Steckl. This was not the intention. The Test is intended to show Users where they are, and whether changes in Stress-levels have shown. “This Test has the potential to develop a strong commercial unit,” added Ray. If the prognosis of the researchers agreed ends, we all have soon the possibility to monitor the home of our Stress. Furthermore, the Test would be of great help to find the personally best method for stress reduction. (vb)