THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AND IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTIONING IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Chronic psychological stress has become a widespread condition in modern populations and is increasingly recognized as a significant modifier of immune function. Evidence from psychoneuroimmunology demonstrates that prolonged stress exposure dysregulates neuroendocrine pathways, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, leading to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infections. Given the rising burden of stress-related disorders, understanding its impact on immune competence is essential for both preventive medicine and clinical practice.