Immunity and Effect of Emotions

You would find that one is more disease-prone when under stress. Many of us tend to catch eye flu, colds, or viral fever when exposed to prolonged periods of emotional stress or tension. It has been proved experimentally that immunological functions of animals get altered if stressful environments are created. In humans too significant change in lymphocytes' count and function had been documented in subjects whose spouses were died within previous six to eight weeks. Lowered values of cellular and humoral immunity parameters have also been documented in students during examination periods. The science of 'psychoimmunology' has well established experimental models to demonstrate the effect of emotions on immunological parameters. Theoretically, the stress could affect the immune system in two ways; it may suppress the immune system or may make it hyperactive.


The suppressed immune system may invite more viral infections or may flare-up the autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Assessment of links between the emotions and immunity has gained a great clinical importance. Psychological support and counseling in addition to therapeutic measures have been helpful in improving the health of many with autoimmune diseases, allergic asthma, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) etc. You must have observed that many patients visiting overcrowded hospitals get upset seeing a different doctor or attitude of an over busy doctor. The emotional stress of patients in response to doctor’s attitude has been found altering the drug response of patients. The therapeutic treatment in totality needs a balance between the emotions and immunity of a patient for quick recovery.

Geriatric Medicine

Geriatric Medicine was recognized as separate discipline of medicine in the year 1950. When we become old is a big question with multiple answers? It is 65 years of age arbitrarily in majority of the countries of the world. Depending on the physical and emotional state of health, most people above the age of 75-80 years do fall in the category of old. Quality of healthcare measures has changed the global scenario and extended life span is a global feature now. Special efforts are needed to be mounted to ensure the independence of elderly for as long as possible in their family/home environment.

In many countries geriatric medicine has become one of the largest medical specialties in terms of number of consultants. Geriatricians believe that they are more efficient and better trained in the healthcare of elderly patients than the general physicians. You would find that average length of stay of a geriatric patient in a geriatric ward is less than in a general medical ward. The integration of geriatric medicine with other medical services is necessary to provide appropriate medical expertise to elderly patients.

The old age people suffer unduly from incapacitating illness. Many people suffer from a decline in their higher functions when they get old. Personal cleanliness and comfort is must for the old people. We do not yet have geriatric wards for the old in majority of our hospitals, leave aside the specialty of geriatric medicine. Significant age related financial facilities should be made available from the public exchequer for the healthcare of elderly people. The cultural traditions in many nations include the care and respect of elderly people of the family. In early eighties the then Director General of the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), Dr. Halfdon Mahler, quoted the fifth commandment "To honour thy father and mother". The specialty of geriatric medicine needs to be fully developed worldwide to overcome the crisis of old age.