Did you know stress disorders can be linked to autoimmune diseases?
| Jun 20, 2018, 16:56 IST
A recent study has found that people suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related psychiatric issues are way more likely to develop autoimmune diseases as compared to individuals who don't. “Severe or prolonged emotional stress causes alterations in multiple bodily functions through dysregulation in the release of stress hormones,” said the lead study author.
“The main message to patients suffering from severe emotional reactions after trauma or other life stressors is to seek treatment,” the doctor added. “There are now several treatments, both medications and cognitive behavioral approaches, with documented effectiveness,” the doctor continued. They also found that the connection between stress and autoimmune disorders was stronger for endocrine problems like diabetes and weaker for skin and blood conditions.
“There clearly is bidirectional interplay between the immune system and the brain,” the doctor added. “Long-term psychological stress can influence multiple bodily systems including stress hormone levels and the autonomic nervous system resulting in impairment of immune functioning. This can lead to increased autoimmune disease activity and trigger exacerbations of autoimmune diseases or make individuals more prone to acquiring infections that together with genetic factors are believed to be the main etiological factors for autoimmune diseases.” Stay tuned for more updates.
“The main message to patients suffering from severe emotional reactions after trauma or other life stressors is to seek treatment,” the doctor added. “There are now several treatments, both medications and cognitive behavioral approaches, with documented effectiveness,” the doctor continued. They also found that the connection between stress and autoimmune disorders was stronger for endocrine problems like diabetes and weaker for skin and blood conditions.
“There clearly is bidirectional interplay between the immune system and the brain,” the doctor added. “Long-term psychological stress can influence multiple bodily systems including stress hormone levels and the autonomic nervous system resulting in impairment of immune functioning. This can lead to increased autoimmune disease activity and trigger exacerbations of autoimmune diseases or make individuals more prone to acquiring infections that together with genetic factors are believed to be the main etiological factors for autoimmune diseases.” Stay tuned for more updates.