In the general public’s perception, the treatment and rehabilitation of infection appears to be linked only to biological factors such as drugs, physical resistance and, often, psychological factors, which are considered irrelevant, namely, that “psychological factors have no influence on the treatment and rehabilitation of infection”. However, this is a serious area of error.
There is a inextricable link between the mental and the physical, which interacts and interacts and together constitutes the complex life system of the human body. The influence of psychological factors increases when the infection strikes and the body is in a state of stress. In the case of anxiety, for example, during the infection, many patients are worried about the deterioration of the condition and the poor treatment. This anxiety triggers the stress of the body, contributing to the distribution of a series of hormones in the body, such as adrenaline, cortisol, etc. Short-term, small amounts of stress hormones can help to mobilize the body ‘ s defence mechanisms, but these hormones can have a negative impact on the body in a chronic state of high stress caused by anxiety. They can inhibit the normal functioning of the immune system, reducing the activity of white cells and the generation of immune cells, thus reducing the body ‘ s ability to resist infection, extending the duration of the disease and even increasing the risk of complications.
Depression also plays an unnegligible role in the treatment and rehabilitation of infections. When infected, physical discomfort, disruptions in the rhythm of life and uncertainty about future health can lead to depression. Depression affects the balance of the neuroendocrine system and disrupts the normal transmission of neurotransmitters, which in turn affects the functioning of the various organ systems of the body. In such cases, patients may suffer from problems such as lack of appetite and sleep disorders, while inadequate nutritional intake and poor sleep quality can further weaken the body ‘ s resilience and form a vicious circle that seriously hampers the recovery process of infection.
From a psychoimmunological point of view, a positive psychological state can provide strong support for the treatment and rehabilitation of infections. Optimistic and open patients tend to be more confident in overcoming diseases, a positive mentality that leads to neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, which have the effect of stinging pain and regulating immune functions. The study found that, in the face of the same infection, patients with positive mentalities were more active in their immune cells and recovered more quickly. For example, in the treatment of some cancer patients, groups that are optimistic tend to be more resilient to chemotherapy, as well as to treatments that are more effective and have a lower incidence of complications such as infection.
Psychological factors also affect patients ‘ dependence on treatment. When the patient is in a negative psychological state, he/she may be suspicious, insatiable, unable to take his/her medication in a timely manner and not following the doctor ‘ s recommendations for rehabilitation, such as reasonable rest, dietary adjustment, etc., which will undoubtedly make the treatment less effective. On the contrary, patients who actively cooperate with the treatment are psychologically more willing to believe in the effectiveness of the treatment and, thus, to implement the treatment programme more rigorously, which facilitates the control of the infection and its rehabilitation.
In the treatment and rehabilitation of infection, we must fully recognize the importance of psychological factors. Patients themselves need to learn to adjust their mentalities, to stay positive and optimistic by communicating with their families, friends, and by training for relaxation, such as deep breath, meditation, yoga, etc. Families and health-care providers should also give patients more psychological support and care, take care of their psychological changes, provide timely psychological counselling and help them to build confidence in overcoming the disease. Only an organic combination of physiotherapy and psychological care can create more favourable conditions for the treatment and rehabilitation of infections, allowing patients to recover more quickly and embrace a better life.
