The role emotions play in disease

Normal homeostasis, the optimal balance of hormones, immunity, and nervous system functioning, protects us from the many threats to health we encounter daily. Disrupted emotional responses, feeling "out of control", leads to disrupted homeostasis.

Emotionally induced shifts in hormones can lead to chronic disease, such as high blood pressure. When a person is aggressive and anxious, for example too much norepinephrine are secreted, even at rest. the arteries thicken, and the excess hormones cause blood vessel muscles to constrict. The gradual rise in blood pressure can result in hypertension, stroke or heart failure.

In a national survey of adult black Americans, those who had many and intense emotional problems were more likely to have physical illness too, even after controlling for socioeconomic level and other factors. Those who had emotional upsets were much more likely to have ulcers, hypertension, diabetes, kidney problems, nervous system malfunctions, and circuratory system difficulties.

One fourth of gastroenterology patients have major depression.

One scientific study reported in the Medical Journal of Australia tested what would happen when irritable bowel syndrome patients received psychotherapy instead of conventional medical treatment. After receiving counselling for their emotional upsets, 89% less constipation, 92% less nauseated, and 81% had less vomiting.

Studies have confirmed that the inability to express emotions is an even greater cause of disease. Women have been culturally taught to keep negative emotions within the family, and to keep anger suppressed. (I agree with this). Patients must be encouraged to express all their angers, resentment, hatred, and fears.

Health Psychology

One practitioner proclaim that an estimated 90% of all physical problems have emotional roots.

Our psychological, behavioral, and physical processes are closely integrated. Illnesses don't just happen to us. Many are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or other microbes. But what factors work together to determine whether we will fall ill when exposed to these microscopic troublemakers? What determines our immunity.

In a thirty-year study of initially healthy young men, those with the most mature emotions and psychological style- including a sense of humor, an altruistic bent - were the healthiest thirty years later.

There are several solid principles behind mind-body medicine. First, mind-body medicine appears to work through complex physiologic systems that are not normally under voluntary control. For example, the production and release of natural opioids (painkillers) can be stimulated by hypnotic suggestion - and can be so powerful that patients can undergo surgery without the use of anestesia.

Biofeedback training can alter blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs. Medication can bring about muscle relaxation, reduced heart rate, and slowed breathing.