Seth R. Batten, Martha Upchurch*
Transylvania University
Full Paper: http://www.kon.org/urc/v9/batten.html
Abstract: Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the study of how psychological factors such as stress and depression can affect the immune system through the nervous system. This review examines PNI in relation to HIV/AIDS and cancer. It discusses the possible mechanisms through which these diseases are affected by stress and depression as well as known PNI treatments. It concludes by discussing limitations of the research as well as where PNI may go in the future.
Introduction: The brain is a powerful organ and it essentially controls all functions in the body. Considering this, it is not outlandish to think that factors that affect the brain, whether they are social, physical, or biological, could affect the rest of the body. Furthermore, these factors could affect one's brain in such a way that they weaken the immune system, thus making one susceptible to disease or worsening an already existing disease. This is the basis for psychoneuroimmunology.
Read the full Paper: http://www.kon.org/urc/v9/batten.html
