Measuring stress

Levels of stress can be measured. One way is through the use of psychological testing The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale is used to rate stressful life events, while the DASS contains a scale for stress based on self report items. Changes in blood pressure and galvanic skin response can also be measured to test stress levels, and changes in stress levels. A digital thermometer can be used to evaluate changes in skin temperature, which can indicate activation of the fight or flight response drawing blood away from the extremities. Cortisol is the main hormone released during a stress response and measuring cortisol from hair will give a 60 90 day baseline stress level of an individual. This method of measuring stress is currently the most popular method in the clinic.