Overview

Research has revolutionized our understanding of the role of the immune system in neural and psychological function. The relevance of the effects of psychosocial stress and early life adversity on neuroimmune activity is well documented, and the need for psychologists to understand mind–body interventions that can enhance neuroimmune resilience is ever so prevalent.

This activity will:

• explore the effects of immune activation on key psychological domains, cognition and arousal (fatigue & sleep), and disorders such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety,

• cellular and molecular interactions between thoughts,

• emotions and health based on recent research that identifies links between psychological states and physical wellbeing,

• how distress impacts physiological processes, and

• how neurological, endocrine and immune systems influence health and chronic conditions.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Related activities

More Psychoneuroimmunology: Mechanisms and clinical applications on 2 April 2024.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details 

• On-demand webinar recording 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this on-demand activity, participants should be able to:

• describe cognitive, hormonal, and immune interactions and how thought, feelings and health are linked,

• identify psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) as evidence for relaxation therapy, lifestyle, and psychological interventions, and

• assess recent PNI research and its relevance to clinical practice.

Presenter(s)

Dr. Judy Lovas

About the presenter(s)

Dr Judy Lovas is Australia’s expert in psychoneuroimmunology-based relaxation therapy and an international speaker. She has a PhD from University of Sydney and a Diploma of Adult Education. With up-to-date knowledge, passion and humor, Judy teaches medical and health professionals how relaxation therapy enhances mental health and physical wellbeing. She explains PNI research, demonstrates how to practice simple relaxation skills and how to apply them clinically.

Judy emphasises the importance of personal relaxation practice for self-care before clinicians offer patients’ relaxation for anxiety, pain, trauma, depression, sleep disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions. Using research from psychoneuroimmunology, she explains pathways and mechanisms by which simple relaxation skills can reduce chronic conditions. Judy is determined to increase relaxation therapies in 21stcentury healthcare.

When not teaching, Judy relaxes with family and friends.