In the usual analysis held by many scientists explains that, the immune system is self-sufficient. This is to say that, it is self dogmatic and occupation split and autonomous for the rest of the body. In the midst of the mounting hub on the comparatively new science of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), these aged reports are becoming less justifiable.
Psychoneuroimmunology was revealed and reported by Dr.Robert Ader in1975. In his theory, he concluded that there is a connection between our thoughts, our wellbeing and our capability to restore our health. The theory by Dr Robert Ader gives the scientific field of study and the meaning of
Psychoneuroimmunology. (Kiecolt-Glaser, & Glaser, 1999, p.104)
Describe and discuss the implications of each of the following variables on depression and immune function:
Behavior. The field of PNI is not limited in arguments. The PNI brings the fundamental connection linking stress, depression, and immune. Depression is associated with the bringing up of behavioral changes to the people who are said to have depressive disorder.
Some of these behavior changes are lack of eating, excessive drinking, and lack or disturbed sleep pattern. Some researchers argue that, it is due to these “lifestyles” which brings up the reasoning and reduction of the immune functioning. (Andersen, et al, 1994, p.389)
The immune system is very complex and any time there is a state that aggravates the homeostasis of this structure, it is very vital to recognize the entire issues allied with the possible inequity to the structure. “As said by researchers, Personal behavior, choice concerning smoking, sleeping alternations, and alcohol dependence are associated with immune functions and depression” (Cohen, et al, 1991, p.607)
Smoking. This has been linked with a diversity of studies such as depression and reduced action of the immune system; however there is no an abundance proof that has been presented to support this. Bower, added to say, the immune system in males suffering from depression will be reduced by the infrequent smoking. He adds to say those who suffer from depression and alcohol related diseases have the high chances of cancer development. (Bower, 1999, p.358).
Alcohol dependence. This is an additional case that talks about the connection between the immune system and depressive disorders. Werbach, one of the researchers, adds to say if a person is said to have the signs of depression, it is very important to make sure that he has stopped the use of alcohol since serotonin depletion may crop up or brain catecholamine echelons condense causing amplified depression. (Vedhara, & Irwin, 2005)
Sleep alterations. Sleeping disorder, also known as insomnia, is a sign often seen in the people suffering from depression which results to a depressed functionality of the immunological structures. Sleeping disorder persists due to the lack of proper curing methods as well as normal sleep process. (Kiecolt-Glaser, & Glaser, 1999, p.104)
The adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system play a great in the depression and immunity. The reason behind them is that, they help in the pituitary and adrenal functioning. “It is also said that, they contribute a lot in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and stress responsiveness in development”. (Bower, 1999, p.358)
In summary, the connection among depression and immunity is affected by numerous issues such as sex, age and other individual resources. Raising the subject aptitudes to manage stress and to diminish the pessimistic affect by psychological interference may on the other side have a helpful consequence on the immune system.
References List
Andersen, B. L., Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., and Glaser, R. (1994). A biobehavioral model of cancer stress and disease course. American Psychologist 49(5), 389-404.
Bower, B. (1999). Depressed smokers ride immune downer. Science News 155(23), 358.
Cohen, S., Tyrrell, D. A., and Smith, A. P. (1991). Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold. The New England Journal of Medicine 325(9), 606-12.
Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. and Glaser, R. (1999).Psychoneuroimmunology and cancer: fact or fiction? European Journal of Cancer 35(1), 103-107
Vedhara, K., & Irwin, M.R. (2005). Human Psychoneuroimmunology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.