Psychoneuroimmunological outcomes and quality of life.
According to the American Psychological Association the field of psychoneuroimmunology comprises a rapidly expanding body of knowledge that strongly suggests a reciprocal interaction between mind (cognition) and body. This body of knowledge indicates that cognitive events have somatic consequences that impact directly on the immune system and disease processes, which in turn lead to maladaptive cognitive processes. Disease sufferers' thought processes and perceived quality of life may thus have a direct bearing on their somatic functioning and disease process, and interventions at this level may have a material impact on their prognosis.
Webber
M A
MA
Department of Haematology, Constantiaberg Mediclinic Hospitals, P.O. Box 11219, Bloubergrant 7443, South Africa. mickeydoo@telkomsa.net
D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D015990:Placebo Effect; D011379:Prognosis; D011598:Psychoneuroimmunology; D011788:Quality of Life