Psychoneuroimmunology. Fact or fiction?
The science of psychoneuroimmunology looks at the role of the mind in the cause of disease. A number of studies have demonstrated that stress increases the risk of viral infection. Stress and depression can depress immunity whereas stress reduction can enhance immunity. Preliminary data suggest that cancer prognosis can be improved by enhanced immunity as a result of stress reduction. An understanding of psychoneuroimmunology should contribute to significant changes in the management of many diseases, especially cancer and infection.
Sali
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Swinburne University, Hawthorn, Victoria.
D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D011598:Psychoneuroimmunology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000276:immunology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000523:psychology