T1 L19: Psychoneuroimmunology Flashcards
What effect does the sympathetic nervous system have on the immune system?
It increases some immune activity
Eg. NK cells
What effect does the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis have on the immune system?
It supresses some immune activity via cortisol
Eg. inflammatory responses and antibody formation
What effect does stress have on the immune system?
Brief stress produces beneficial acute immune response because it provides immediate defence from injuries and broad risk of infection
Prolonged stress disrupts psychological and physiological functioning
What is general adaption syndrome?
A description of the process of how your body responds to stress. Has 3 stages:
- Alarm: body is mobilised against the stressor
- Resistance: arousal stays high as body defends/ adapts
- Exhaustion: resources are depleted and resistance may collapse
What is allostatic load?
The wear and tear of the body
What is Allostasis?
The body actively copes with stress by trying to find a new balance
If stress is prolonged, allostatic load accumulates
How can allostatic load be measured?
- Decreased cell-mediated immunity
- Inability to shut off cortisol in response to stress
What is the transactional model?
A stressor causes primary appraisal and if it’s negative, secondary appraisal will cause stress
Primary: positive? negative? harmful?
Secondary: do resources meet the harm? Coping abilities?
What effect does expressive writing and emotional disclosure have on immune function?
It enhances mood, immune function, and health
What effect does relaxation, self hypnosis, and guided imagery have on immune function?
It reduces effect of stress on the immune system
What effect does problem solving and stress management have on immune function?
It reduces effect of stress on the immune system
