Psychoneuroimmunology research and the theoretical progress in biochemical research

Journal/Book: Z Psychosom Med Psychoanal. 1998; 44: Theaterstrasse 13, Postfach 77, W-37070 Gottingen, Germany. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. 1-20.

Abstract: The intention of this review is to show how psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) has developed in the context of the increasingly complex evidence about molecular communication pathways. In order to illustrate the theoretical progress in biochemical research, dramatic findings concerning the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) are discussed. When we look at this development more carefully, one can understand why some authors have asserted that PNI has fallen into research reductionism. It can be concluded that in light of the growing evidence of systemic integration and the holistic functioning of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, new research strategies ought to be applied in order to discover psycho-physiological links. In the field of stress research, it is essential to consider the highly differentiated and dynamic nature of human beings as well as the higher degree of complexity of psychical and social processes. The traditional mechanistic approach to biomedical research which neglects individual differences must therefore fail when applied to PNI-research. Therefore, a transition from the reductionistic and biologistic paradigm to a holistic and systemic way of thinking and doing is necessary. The single-case design, time-series analysis and the use of qualitative exploration are discussed here as alternative strategies in PNI-research, a field which is still dominated by group-research and cross-sectional designs.

Note: Article Schubert C, Innsbruck Univ, Klin Med Psychol & Psychotherapie Innsbruck, Sonnenburgstr 9, A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA

Keyword(s): psychoneuroimmunology; hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; stress research; single-case design; time-series analysis; PSYCHOSOMATIC-MEDICINE; IMMUNE-SYSTEM; STRESS; COMMUNICATION; PARAMETERS; HORMONE; NETWORK; PSYCHE; BRAIN; MODEL

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Psychoneuroimmunology research and the theoretical progress in biochemical research - paradigmatic limits