BACKGROUND AND AIM: Stress acts as a warning signal generated in the brain by detecting danger in the environment and indicating that action is required immediately. Only when this regulatory mechanism fails to function properly and promptly, stress inflicts abnormal pathological conditions (e.g. anxiety disorders or depression) interfering with healthy well-being. Present study was designed to study the effect of stress on judgment, adjustment and various aspects of psychological health.

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... ALS AND METHOD: The study was done on 90 subjects (medical students) chosen randomly with no gender bias. Baseline parameters of mental balance/ judgment, adjustment level and various parameters of psychological health were recorded during mid-semester when there was no exam pressure. The parameters were again studied one to two week before exams. Parameters were compared from their baseline values. The student's t-test was used to compare baseline values from during stress values. P value was significant when p<0.05.RESULTS: Students reported significant decrease in judgment level and their adjustment level showed tendency to decrease during stress. Also, there was significant increase to fall into disorders of anxiety and depression. Other aspects of psychological health showed variable response to stress. CONCLUSION: Stress has impact on judgment, adjustment and psychological health.