Neuroendocrine and Immune Pathways

Prolonged psychological stress can have deleterious effects on many, if not all, components of health. This occurs in both a direct manner, through alterations of the immune system, and in an indirect manner, such as changes in health behaviors. All arms of the immune system can be affected, which in turn impacts both physical and mental health. Early life adversity (e.g., child abuse) occurs during a critical period of development and can result in a permanent re-programming of stress pathways, leading to increased health risks throughout adolescence and adulthood. Intriguingly, stress affects the same biological mechanisms as aging; hence, stress can literally age individuals. Focusing on the above topics, this chapter will discuss the neuroendocrine and nervous system pathways that underlie stress responses, their connections with the immune system, and broad ramifications for health.