Fig. 2. Hypothetical physiologic responses of chronically stressed caregivers who are "adapted" to caregiving situation (eg, adequate social supports and coping skills are available) vs. those who are "maladapted." ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone; BP = blood pressure; CAMS = cellular adhesion molecules; CRH = corticotropin releasing hormone; CVR = change in cardiovascular reactivity; E = epinephrine; HR = heart rate; NE = norepinephrine; NK = natural killer lymphocyte; NPY = neuropeptide Y; ß2 = ß2-adrenergic receptor.