INFLUENCE OF STRESS ON THE COURSE OF SOMATIC DISEASES

Stress is a physiological and psychological response to internal or external challenges that can significantly impact the course of somatic diseases. Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, leading to elevated cortisol levels, systemic inflammation, and immune dysregulation. These biological changes can exacerbate existing somatic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune diseases. Epidemiological and clinical studies have consistently demonstrated a strong correlation between prolonged stress and increased disease severity, delayed recovery, and reduced treatment efficacy. Understanding the mechanisms by which stress influences somatic health is essential for developing integrated therapeutic strategies that combine medical treatment with stress management interventions [1,2].