In this unit, the focus is on the negative effects of chronic (long-lasting) stress. These may be purely psychological but stress also creates physical problems which can include: psychosomatic disorders (from psyche meaning mind and soma meaning body) and bodily disorders produced by the processes, such as psychological stress, of the mind. Such disorders can include stomach ulcers, digestive problems, raised blood pressure, eczema and other skin rashes, asthma and other allergic conditions. There is also increasing evidence that stress can be a causal factor in the development of eating disorders and we will examine this in some detail.