Psychological Factors Affecting Pulmonary and Rheumatologic Diseases

The effect of cognitive behavior therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“…In general, stress is thought to worsen autoimmune diseases. Activity of the sympathie nervous system (SNS) in particular may promote inflammation (Moran, 1991). If that is the case, coping strategies effectively dealing with stress may reduce disease activity through reduction of SNS activity.…”

Review of psychosocial stress and asthma: an integrated biopsychosocial approach

“…30Autonomic nerves can impact airway calibre and function via effects on airway smooth muscle, bronchial vessels, and mucus glands. Hormones and neuropeptides released into the circulation when individuals experience stress are also thought to be involved in regulating both inflammatory and airway responses 31. Therefore, consideration of recent advances in the field of psychoneuroimmunology—linking psychosocial stress, the central nervous system, and alterations in immune and endocrine function—provide plausible biological pathways through which stress may impact on asthma expression 32…”

Factors Associated with Self-evaluated Severity of Illness and Quality of Life in Male Israeli Asthmatic Soldiers

“…The severity and course of asthma, as well as the rate and quality of recovery, are likely affected not only by physiological, but also by a host of psychological and social factors [1]. Thus, having elevated neuroticism and introversion [1][2][3] and lower optimism [4], as well as experiencing an external rather than internal locus of control [3], thereby decreasing one's sense of mastery [5] and increasing distrust with treatment providers and medications [4], may lead to less favorable outcome and health-related quality of life, regardless of the severity of asthma.…”

“…Thus, having elevated neuroticism and introversion [1][2][3] and lower optimism [4], as well as experiencing an external rather than internal locus of control [3], thereby decreasing one's sense of mastery [5] and increasing distrust with treatment providers and medications [4], may lead to less favorable outcome and health-related quality of life, regardless of the severity of asthma. Negative outcome in asthmatic patients has been also linked to the presence of comorbid affective, anxiety and substance use disorders [3,[6][7][8], dependent, passive, inhibited, and perfectionistic personality features [1,2], emotional and passive/avoidant coping styles [5,8], decreased sense of self-esteem [1,5], maladaptive social skills, and social isolation [1,6].…”