Peer-reviewed article
Stress and the Immune System: Insights From Psychoneuroimmunology.
Ozaniak Strizova Z ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This is a review article on psychoneuroimmunology that examines how stress affects the immune system in general populations. While it mentions stress impacts on children in the context of parenting stress and domestic violence, the document is primarily a physiological review of stress hormones and immune cell function in adults. It does not focus on child well-being as its primary subject.
Key points
- Stress acts as both an enhancer and suppressor of immune responses depending on individual and environmental factors
- Stress hormones influence leukocyte trafficking and cytokine production, leading to immune dysregulation
- Stress contributes to immunodeficiencies, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and reduced vaccine efficacy
- Specific stressors examined include bereavement, intimate partner violence, childhood maltreatment, and PTSD
- The document emphasizes the need for integrative therapeutic approaches to address stress-induced immune dysfunction
Limitations
This is a general review of psychoneuroimmunology physiology rather than a study of child populations or child-specific interventions. It does not present primary research data or evaluate interventions designed to improve child well-being.
Abstract
Stress profoundly impacts the immune system, functioning as both an enhancer and suppressor of immune responses. The ultimate outcome depends on a combination of individual characteristics, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, and the nature of the stressor. Stress hormones influence leukocyte trafficking, activity, cytokine production, and the overall immune function, leading to immune dysregulation. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on the physiology of the stress response and its effects on immunity, particularly stress-induced alterations in immune cell function. It explores how stress contributes to immunodeficiencies, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, thereby impacting vaccine efficacy, increasing susceptibility to infections, and promoting cancer development. Stress is implicated in the onset and exacerbation of specific autoimmune disorders and contributes to allergic conditions, intensifying allergic responses in both adults and children, particularly in the context of parenting stress and domestic violence. This review also investigates immune changes associated with specific stressors, including bereavement, intimate partner violence, childhood maltreatment, caregiving stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This work addresses the multifaceted dimensions of psychoneuroimmunology, shedding light on the significant health consequences of stress-induced immune dysfunction, and emphasizes the need for integrative therapeutic approaches. Key words Fight and flight " Cortisol " T cells " Antibodies " PTSD.