Immune correlates of stress and depression.
This paper reviews the evidence for alterations in immunity associated with depression and stressful events. The reviewed studies examine a variety of immune parameters (e.g., mitogen response, natural killer cell activity and number, T-cell, and T-cell subpopulations) in relation to depression and in relation to a number of stressful events (e.g., death of spouse, examinations). There is considerable variability in the findings of the available studies. However, the review finds considerable evidence for an association between a variety of stressful events and lowered immunity and between severe depression and lowered immunity. The clinical relevance of these psychoimmune relationships remains in question.
Evans
D L
DL
Leserman
J
J
Pedersen
C A
CA
Golden
R N
RN
Lewis
M H
MH
Folds
J A
JA
Ozer
H
H
D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000276:immunology*