The adult child of a patient diagnosed with major depression asks, "Do you think depression and physical illness are connected? Since my father's death, my mother has had shingles and the flu, but she's usually not one who gets sick." Which answer by the nurse best reflects current knowledge about psychoneuroimmunology?
a. "It is probably a coincidence. Emotions and physical responses travel on different tracts of the nervous system."
b. "You may be paying more attention to your mother since your father died and noticing more things such as minor illnesses."
c. "So far, research on emotions or stress and becoming ill more easily is unclear. We do not know for sure if there is a link."
d. "Negative emotions and stress may interfere with the body's ability to protect itself and can increase the likelihood of infection."
ANS: D
The correct answer best explains the research. Research supports a link between negative emotions and/or prolonged stress and impaired immune system functioning. Activation of the immune system sends proinflammatory cytokines to the brain, and the brain in turn releases its own cytokines that signal the central nervous system to initiate myriad responses to stress. Prolonged stress suppresses the immune system and lowers resistance to infections. Although the adult child may be more aware of issues involving the mother, the pattern of illnesses described may be an increase from the mother's baseline.
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