HSS 2321 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Psychosomatic Medicine, Hans Selye, Complications Of Pregnancy

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HSS 2321
• Professor: Kirsti Bissada

Document Summary

Evidence from a wide variety of studies indicates that the mind and the body are related. Perceptions, feelings, expectations, and thoughts affect aspects of bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. At times, psychosocial difficulties become physical illnesses, at other times they may mimic physical illnesses and be considered psychosomatic illness. Psychosomatic illness: mimic physical responses (feeling weak, having a headache etc. ) Stress: organism must deal with demands much greater than the usual level of activity or perceived activity. The theory that ties the mind and body together is called psychoneuroimmunology, the study of the interrelations between the central nervous system & immune system. Ex: really stressed after exams and get sick during break right after (body & mind connection) Cannon (1932) and selye (1956) were involved in the early articulation and measurement. Cannon - health defined not by the absence of disease but rather ability of the human being to function satisfactorily in the particular environment.