Stress and Disease: An examination of psychophysiological effects and alternative treatment approaches

Abstract

This article examine the psychophysiological relationship between psychosocial stressors and physiological changes. Stress has been shown to cause changes in the human immune system, increasing susceptibility to disease. A selective review of the literature explores this relationship. Alternative treatment modes are being implemented to supplement traditional therapies for the preventative and post hoc care of diseases, particularly those associated with the immunologic system deficiencies which could be related to stress. Implications are explored for implementing biofeedback, guided imagery, and stress management techniques for supplemental treatment in cancer, coronary heart disease, and immunologic diseases such as the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.