Psychological influences on the perception of immune function

Background. Perception of deficiencies in immunity are common in a number o f patient complaints. However, little is known about the way in which indiv iduals form perceptions about the competence of their immune system. In two studies we examined the relationship between subjects' perceptions of thei r immune functioning, physical symptoms, mood and measures of immunity. Methods. In Study 1, 20 healthy volunteers completed global ratings of thei r immune system functioning, as well as mood and symptom reports, twice a w eek for 5 weeks. At the same time, blood samples were taken to assess serum IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies. In Study 2, another sample of 58 subjects co mpleted the same measures weekly for 5 weeks and their blood was tested for concentrations of CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD16 lymphocytes. Results. We found perceptions of immune functioning to be unrelated to the concentrations of serum antibodies or blood lymphocytes. Immune perceptions were strongly related to mood and in particular, feelings of fatigue and v igour. The experience of recent physical symptoms, while not as strong as m ood variables, was also important in perceptions of immune functioning. Conclusions. Mood seems to be an important determinant in the perception of immune function, and complaints about immune dysfunction in clinical situa tion should be investigated with this possibility in mind.