PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESS , STRESS AND IMMUNITY…

As a follow up to my previous article on "imagined covid" this article seeks to explain the concept of Psychosomatic illness.

PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESS

As explained before the cause of Psychosomatic illness is anxiety and stress. Psychosomatic illness presents real physical symptoms that

however cannot be linked to any physical cause. For example one may experience frequent uncontrollable urinating in some cases they might even bed-wet if they delay the toilet visit. However upon physical examinations the physician may fail to identify any physical cause of the condition. Meaning the reason may be more of psychological rather than physical. A common misconception is believing that the symptoms in Psychosomatic illness are imagined this is not true. Patients experience real pain and real symptoms. How does anxiety result in physical illness?

According to Harvard health studies , anxiety presents psychological and physical symptoms. The body is prepared for fight or flight scenario. This is accompanied by increased heart beat, raised blood pressure, palpitations, nausea,headaches, frequent urinating among other symptoms. Prolonged anxiety therefore poses a great risk to

physical health. Studies have attributed some chronic illness such as hypertension and heart disease to anxiety. A two way relationship between Anxiety and physical illness has been established , although studies still seek to understand the relationship. In the case of

Psychosomatic illness anxiety symptoms can be mistaken for physical illness and in some cases pro-longed anxiety leads to the development of physical illness. This has been proven for some cardio vascular conditions, respiratory conditions and gastrointestinal disorders. In

such cases eliminating anxiety often proves efficient in dealing with the physical symptoms.

STRESS AND IMMUNITY

An important aspect is how stress compromises the immunity. According to Glaser and Kiecolt-Glaser 2005 there is an intricate relationship between the Central nervous system, endocrine system and the immune system. A field of Psychology known as "psychoneuroimmunology" focuses on how mental processes affect physical health. Earlier studies by psychologist Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD, and immunologist Ronald Glaser discovered links in animal stress and compromise in immunity. It was noted that during exam period students had low immunity due to exam pressure and stress.Recently a large number of research has been done to confirm the initial 1980s studies.

A 2002 study by Lyanne McGuire, PhD, of John Hopkins School of Medicine with Kiecolt-Glaser noted that the elderly are more vulnerable to stress-induced immunity decrease.Research suggests that Stress hormones Cortisol and corticosteroid reduce the effectiveness of lymphocytes by reducing the number of T cells. In this way the immune system is suppressed. High levels of these hormones impairs the immune system's anti-inflammatory response. This has been shown to pre-dispose individuals to viral infections, auto-immune conditions,resistance to vaccinations among other immunity based health issues. An appreciation of how stress affects our physical well-being leads to consider carefully the importance of managing stressors. Some research suggests that only prolonged stress has an impact, however it is essential to manage even mild and everyday stressors.

I have come to understand the Psychology in the text"A merry heart doeth well like medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22

As one of my favorite authors puts it across:" The relation which exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, from a consciousness of right doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body."

It is more important now in the midst of this pandemic to be able to maintain a healthy mind so as to ensure our immunity against Covid-19 and other infections. Take care of your mind and it will take care of your health!

Sources

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L.,Robles, T., & Glaser, R. (2002).

Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychological influences on immune function and health.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 537-547.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Garner, W.,Speicher, C., Penn, G. M., Holliday,J., & Glaser, R. (1984).Psychosocial modifiers of immunocompetence in medical students. Psychosomatic Medicine , 46(1), 7-14.

McLeod, S. A. (2010). Stress, illness and the immune system .SimplyPsychology. https:// www.simplypsychology.org/stress-immune.html

Seiler .A, Fagundes C.P, Christian. L.M (2020).The Importance of everyday Stressors on the Immune System and Health IStress Challenges and Immunity in Space, 2020