Stress is implicated in many diseases.[1] In fact the word dis-ease, or ill- at- ease may suggest the mind-body connection in disease.
The relatively new field of Psycho-neuroimmunology [2]studies the link between the immune system and the nervous system. Although there is no conclusive evidence in the relationship between and stress and disease, there is considerable research linking the two. Classify the following diseases and see if you can find that link.
Please note that psychogenic refers to a physical disease which is caused by emotional stress. Somatogenic refers to a physical disease which is contracted when the mind increases the body's susceptibility to illness.[3]Psychosomatogenic is a coined word Robert Brehm uses to refer to more commonly known words in the literature as psychosomatic, and psycho-physiological. Be sure an include any sources and your reasoning for making your decision.
Determine which of the following are psychogenic and somatogenic:1. hypertension, 2. cancer, 3. asthma, 4. hay fever, 5. rheumatoid arthritis, 6. allergies and 7.backache. [4]
Please provide your sources and your reasoning.
For example, I would classify cancer as largely somatogenic. Note in your text, " Managing Stress", page 49 that Borysenko states the following: " Chronic stress is observed to suppress the NK cell activity, thereby increasing one's susceptibility to infections and cancer."
Psychogenic Disease
Somatogenic Disease
1.
2. Cancer For example, I would classify cancer as somatogenic.
Note in your text, " Managing Stress", page 49 that Borysenko states the following:
" Chronic stress is observed
to suppress the NK cell activity, thereby increasing one's susceptibility to
infections and cancer."
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1. Merrily Manthey, Natural
Medicine Handbook for People Over 50, Kent, WA: The Foundation for
Excellence in Health Care, 1998, pp.23-25
2. Brian Luke Seaward,
Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Wellbeing, 3rd.,Boston:
Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2002, p. 42
3. Jerrold S. Greenberg,
Comprehensive Stress Management, 6th, ed., Boston: McGraw-Hill,1996, pp.
39-49
4. Op. cit.,
Seaward, pp.72-78
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