The role of the brain in physical disease: folklore, normal science, or paradigm shift?

Article Abstract:

Although anecdotes abound regarding the ability of the brain to influence, or even cause, physical disease, people who practice science and medicine are skeptical. They are reluctant to 'shift paradigms' to begin thinking this way. An article in the April 11, 1990, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that hypertension (high blood pressure) among men at work is associated with higher levels of job stress. When subjects' blood pressures were measured continuously during the day using a special device, they were found to be higher during work hours. Anatomic changes in the left ventricle of the heart, the chamber that pumps blood to the body, were also found in the high-job-strain group. A Swedish study observed similar effects for men in high-strain jobs. Laboratory studies are the next logical step, where such factors as work demands and control over work performance can be varied by the experimenter. People also differ individually in how they respond to stress: men scoring high on a hostility questionnaire in one study also had higher blood pressure increases in response to harassment. Studies such as these may reduce skepticism about the importance of the brain in physical disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Causes of, Job stress, Medicine, Psychosomatic, Psychosomatic medicine, editorial

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A 69-Year-Old Man With Anger and Angina

Article Abstract:

Emotions can have a substantial impact on people, especially those with pre-existing heart disease. Hostility, anxiety, depression, social isolation, job stress and low socioeconomic status can all affect patients with heart disease. Many patients learn coping strategies, such as the 69-year-old man described. Group counseling is very effective and patients can be taught coping strategies. They can also be taught social skills that enable them to handle stressful interactions with other people. Meditation, relaxation techniques and assertiveness training can also be helpful.

Psychological aspects, Cardiac patients, Angina pectoris

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Psychosocial risk factors for cardiovascular disease: more than one culprit at work

Article Abstract:

Hostility, time urgency, and impatience may be risk factors for high blood pressure, according to a study published in 2003. This may explain the link between the so-called type A personality and heart disease, since high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Several studies have shown that meditation and behavior modification may lower blood pressure.

Editorial, Cooking, Type A behavior, Type A personality, Type A behaviour, Cookery for hypertensives

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