TED Talks Daily The science behind how sickness shapes your mood | Keely Muscatell
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Dec 1, 2023 In this insightful discussion, Keely Muscatell, a social neuroscientist and psychology professor at UNC Chapel Hill, explores the fascinating connection between the immune system and our emotional well-being. She reveals how illness can induce feelings of depression and withdrawal, stemming from both physiological changes and evolutionary responses. Muscatell highlights that sickness might even increase our desire for social support from loved ones, illustrating the complex interplay of health, mood, and social behavior.
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Social Psychoneuroimmunology
- Keely Muscatell studies how physiological changes during sickness affect mood and social behavior.
- This field is called social psychoneuroimmunology.
Inflammation and Cytokines
- Inflammation, the body's defense against injury or infection, is coordinated by pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Cytokines act as chemical messengers, signaling other immune cells to the affected area.
Cytokine Effects
- Cytokines cause physical sickness symptoms (fever, achiness, fatigue) and impact mood and social behavior.
- This can lead to feelings of depression and social withdrawal.