Scleroderma Symptoms Causes

Causes of Scleroderma: Stress

Overview of Stress and Disease

Stress dramatically slows wound healing.

Stress can cause hormonal and cellular changes in our bodies which can lead to a variety of medical problems.

Chronic stress is thought to be a trigger for the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases.

On the other hand, there might also be a positive role for stress in reducing inflammation in some circumstances. (Also see What is Scleroderma? and Emotional Adjustment and Scleroderma)

Stress and Disease

Stress disorders tied to increased heart disease risk. People who suffer from conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, a Swedish study suggests. Reuters Health, 04/19/2019.

The role of stress in the mosaic of autoimmunity. An overlooked association. Psychological therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy aimed to reduce stress levels was shown to be effective in influencing better outcomes in many autoimmune diseases. PubMed, Autoimmun Rev, 08/14/2018.

How does stress make us ill? Study sheds light. Researchers at Michigan State University in East Lansing have revealed how a protein known as corticotropin–releasing factor receptor subtype 1 (CRF1) responds to stress by sending signals to specific immune cells. Medical News Today, 01/11/2017.

The Surprising Effects of Loneliness on Health. The potentially harmful effects of loneliness and social isolation on health and longevity, especially among older adults, are well established. New York Times, 12/11/2017. (Also see Depression)

Acute psychological stress induces short–term variable immune response. These results offer a spring-board for future research towards improved treatment of stress-related disease including the impact of stress on cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders. PubMed, Brain Behav Immun, 2016 Mar;53:172-182. (Also see Human Immune System)

Exploring the Effects of Pain and Stress on Wound Healing. Pain and associated stress may deleteriously affect wound healing through a multitude of mechanisms. Lippincott Nursing Center.

Immune responses to stress in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis. Patients with RA have a different immune response to stress than patients with psoriasis or healthy controls. More needs to be learned about the complex interaction between stress, immune parameters and chronic inflammation. PubMed, Rheumatology (Oxford). (Also see Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis)

Stress and Fertility

Fertility treatment: Getting stressed about stress The biological connection is the effect of stress on the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis interfering with ovulation. Wiley Online, Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2018 Mar;97(3):233-234.

Stress and Inflammation

Macrophages depletion impairs skeletal muscle regeneration by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress levels. These results suggest that macrophages depletion can aggravate fibrosis and impair muscle regeneration, and inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and oxidative stress factors may be involved in this process. PubMed, Sheng Li Xue Bao, 2018 Feb 25;70(1):23-32.

Reducing Stress

Coping Stategies. A healthy emotional adjustment is an important part of having a good quality of life (QOL). It is even more important when you have a chronic illness such as scleroderma. Maintaining healthy routines such as exercise and diet, taking your medications properly, staying close to family and friends, and knowing how you feel emotionally and physically all contribute to your overall state of being. ISN.

Work at home? Watch out! You're more likely to suffer insomnia, stress and depression. Working from home may be saving you commuting time, but it could also be causing insomnia, stress and depression, a new report says. Mail Online, 02/15/2017. (Also see Sleep Disorders and Depression)

Why Some People Handle Stress Better Than Others. The researchers asked people about some of the ways they cope with stress, including alcohol intake, eating behaviors, and how often they get into arguments. Time Healthland, 07/20/2016.

Forgiving Other People Is Good for Your Health. Being forgiving to yourself and others can protect against stress and the toll it takes on mental health, according to a new study. Time Healthland, 06/16/2016.

Social support: Tap this tool to reduce stress. Having close friends and family on whom you can count has far-reaching benefits for your health. Here's how to build and maintain these essential relationships. Mayo Clinic.

In Loving Memory of Lorraine Wempner, a donation to tackle scleroderma has been made by Paul Wempner. Posted 11/13/2019. (Also see: ISN News)

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