The close connection between mental and physical illness

The phrase "link brain and body" sounds rather strange and evokes associations with yoga. But scientists have shown that mental and physical illness may be related, even if it does not lie on the surface. Simple patterns have long been known, for example, you eat a lot because of the depression, and obesity increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. In fact more and more difficult, and now science knows a lot more!

The immune system responds by inflammation at the infection, and if the recovery process is not "turned off" after the victory over the disease, immune cells start to attack healthy. And it starts a sort of ping-pong between the body and the spirit, with the result that the situation can only get worse.

Statistics show that around one in five women in developed countries suffer from mental disorders and chronic diseases such as heart problems. And consider this necessary in the complex. Prior to Russia this practice comes slowly, but it's worth knowing that if you treat, for example, to a specialist for depression, it makes sense to pass the basic blood tests (general, hormones, cholesterol), even if the doctor did not appoint them.

Here are the main types of diseases that can run concurrently.

Heart failure and ...

... panic disorder

During a panic attack activates the immune system, increases the release of adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. This is bad for the heart. If attacks occur frequently (in the worst case - several times a day), begin outages with pulse and blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack. The study found that people with panic attacks likelihood of heart problems increases by 47%. How to deal: experts recommend yoga ...! In one study, people who practiced yoga twice a week for two months demonstrated a decrease in the level of anxiety and panic attacks. Apparently, this is due to a successful fight against stress and overall body relaxation. It is important to remember that panic and heart attacks are common symptoms: chest pain, changes in heart rate, shortness of breath.

... depression

The risk of heart problems increases by 30%. The reason is the same: cortisol and adrenaline. In addition, depression may affect blood clots, resulting in a thrombus.

How to deal: at least once a year for tests and suspicions to measure the pressure (by the way, upper limit normal range in women is now reduced from 140/90 to 130/80). More common with loved ones: a sense of the shoulder and affection reduces heart rate and blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

2. Psoriasis and Depression

People with severe depression almost twice as likely to suffer from skin problems. The fact that depression and psoriasis associated with high levels of cytokines - proteins which may cause various inflammations.

How to deal: conducted studies of whether anti-inflammatory drugs for skin diseases used for the normalization of mental status. In some countries, you can get an appointment with psychodermatology or even a psychiatrist who understands the link between depression and psoriasis. Wear a loose-fitting clothing so as not to traumatize the skin, moisturize it. Check with a dermatologist, not whether to add to the list of medicines and phototherapy steroids to reduce inflammation and skin problems impact on the mental condition.

3. Migraine and anxiety plus depression

People who suffer from migraine, a 2, 5 times more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder than those who do not have this problem. The reason for this is often an overactive sympathetic nervous system. Constant adrenaline emissions contribute to the development of anxiety and depression, and then, when the hormonal storm ceases brutal migraine begins.

How to deal: experts recommend breathing diaphragm. Put one hand on the chest, the other - on his stomach and try to "push" air down. Another option - a warm bath: increased body temperature may weaken the manifestation of depression, and to push a panic attack. Apparently, this is due to the reconfiguration of the neural network that modifies the mood, but research has not yet been completed.

4. Allergies and depression

Studies show that those who suffer from severe bouts of allergies, 72% more likely to feel the symptoms of depression. It is believed that this is the body's response to allergic inflammation.

How to deal: Spot treatment with nasal steroid spray: injection into the nose less impact on mood than in the mouth. Put a humidifier at home, to make it easier to breathe.

5. Diabetes and schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia are twice as likely suffer from diabetes. The relationship between diseases may be genetic, also affect elevated cortisol levels (typical for schizophrenia) and the weight (increasing the risk of type II diabetes). Furthermore, schizophrenia antipsychotics promote weight gain and prevent development of insulin. How to deal: it is necessary to talk to your doctor about prescribing without such side effects, routinely be tested for glucose and hemoglobin.