Presenter: Mona L. Mousad

Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Crotty Guttilla

School: Massachusetts Bay Community College

Research Area: Clinical and Developmental Psychology

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A84

ABSTRACT

Stress is a natural response to the challenges and threats we encounter in life. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system protects the body from diseases and infections, misrecognizes its organs, cells, and tissues as foreign, and attacks them. There is growing interest in understanding how stress impacts autoimmune diseases and finding better methods to reduce stress and consequently alleviate the autoimmune disorder.

 According to the American Psychological Association, the number of stress-related mental health diagnoses has significantly increased in the U.S., particularly after the pandemic. In 2023, 45% of adults reported such diagnoses, compared to 31% in 2019. A 2024 annual mental health poll revealed that U.S. adults are feeling increasingly anxious; 43% stated they feel more anxious than the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022.

Studies indicate that individuals with stress disorders have up to 2.29 times higher diagnoses of autoimmune diseases compared to those without such disorders. Researchers have explored the link between psychiatric stress and autoimmune disorders, finding a higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in individuals with a history of stress disorders. During stressful periods, physiological changes occur, and individuals may engage in behaviors such as drinking or smoking, which can increase the risk of developing autoimmune disease; managing stress will reduce the risk.

Stress can significantly affect autoimmune diseases by influencing the immune system and mental health. Understanding the connection between stress and autoimmune diseases is vital for developing better treatment options and improving the well-being of those affected.