Acute and Chronic Stress Effects on the Immune System Stress-Related Disorders

When prolonged, strong, or unexpected external or internal stressors trigger physiological, biochemical, mental, and behavioral responses, stress is experienced. We cannot avoid stress in our modern lives, and if it is not managed appropriately, it can endanger our health. As a result, it stimulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axisHypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis, which in turn affects the immune system. There are many neurotransmittersNeurotransmitter, neuropeptidesNeuropeptide, hormonesHormone, and cytokines involved in the complex two-way interaction between the central nervous system and the immune system. Integrating the immune system, endocrine system, and brain structures is the focus of psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI). As we will explore in this chapter, stress affects the immune system and can lead to stress-related disorders.