Psychoneuroimmunological outcomes and quality of life

Abstract 

According to the American Psychological Association the field of psychoneuroimmunology comprises a rapidly expanding body of knowledge that strongly suggests a reciprocal interaction between mind (cognition) and body. This body of knowledge indicates that cognitive events have somatic consequences that impact directly on the immune system and disease processes, which in turn lead to maladaptive cognitive processes. Disease sufferers’ thought processes and perceived quality of life may thus have a direct bearing on their somatic functioning and disease process, and interventions at this level may have a material impact on their prognosis.