Impacts of Stress on Health
The Immune System
Our body’s defense against invading bacteria, viruses, and other illness-producing organisms (pathogens)
The skin, phagocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes
Phagocytes: A type of immune cell that can surround and kill microorganisms, ingest foreign material, and remove dead cells. It can also boost immune responses.
Macrophages: Surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.
Lympocytes: Help your body's immune system fight cancer and foreign viruses and bacteria.
Psychoneuroimmunology
Studies relationship between the immune system and central nervous system
There is a relationship between stress and the immune system
Example:
High levels of stress over the past year make you more susceptible to catching cold virus.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is associated with lower ability to heal from injury, decreased blood clotting, and depression.
Stress-Related Illness
Physical illnesses that emotions and stress contribute to or maintain are called psychophysiological
Peptic Ulcers: Causes by bacteria and inflamed areas in the gastrointestinal tract
Coronary Heart Disease: Complete or partial blockage of the arteries that provide oxygen to the heart
Risk Factors:
Age
Family History
Smoking
High cholesterol blood pressure
Stress
Type A Personality
Anger and hostility increases the risk of coronary heart disease
Biopsychosocial perspective on illness
The medical model used to only think of the biological effect of illness (genetics, immune responses, etc) but psychologists now take other social factors (social, health education) and physiological factors (Stress and coping tactics)