The Impact of Psychological Stress on Wound Healing: Methods and Mechanisms

Overview

Journal Immunol Allergy Clin North Am

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2010 Nov 25

PMID 21094925

Citations 104

Authors

Jean-Philippe Gouin

Janice K Kiecolt-Glaser

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Converging and replicated evidence indicates that psychological stress can modulate wound-healing processes. This article reviews the methods and findings of experimental models of wound healing. Psychological stress can have a substantial and clinically relevant impact on wound repair. Physiologic stress responses can directly influence wound-healing processes. Furthermore, psychological stress can indirectly modulate the repair process by promoting the adoption of health-damaging behaviors. Translational work is needed to develop innovative treatments able to attenuate stress-induced delays in wound healing.

Citing Articles

Mental health implications of fracture-related infections : a longitudinal quality of life study.

Walter N, Loew T, Hinterberger T, Mohokum M, Alt V, Rupp M Bone Joint Res. 2025; 14(2):136-142.

PMID: 39976473 PMC: 11841655. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.142.BJR-2024-0086.R2.

The impact of preexisting psychiatric disorders on patient outcomes following primary total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and quantitative synthesis.

Sun B, Thangavelu V, Yakubov R, Sun C, Khan M, Chaudhari S Shoulder Elbow. 2025; :17585732251314130.

PMID: 39866904 PMC: 11758438. DOI: 10.1177/17585732251314130.

The effect of virtual reality therapy on pain and anxiety during wound care in adults: A systematic review.

Demirci H, Lachkar T, Fleur W, Barsom E, Eskes A, Schijven M Heliyon. 2024; 10(24):e40858.

PMID: 39735629 PMC: 11681856. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40858.

Chitosan-Electrospun Fibers Encapsulating Norfloxacin: The Impact on the Biochemical, Oxidative and Immunological Profile in a Rats Burn Model.

Coman C, Anisiei A, Cibotaru S, Ailincai D, Pasca S, Chabot C Int J Mol Sci. 2024; 25(23).

PMID: 39684419 PMC: 11641767. DOI: 10.3390/ijms252312709.

Experience and perceived impact of anxiety and depression on quality of life following emergency caesarean section among women in Ghana: a qualitative study.

Saansong A, Adoma P, Nkrumah J, Gbagbo F BMJ Open. 2024; 14(11):e086069.

PMID: 39515854 PMC: 11552587. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086069.

References

McGuire L, Heffner K, Glaser R, Needleman B, Malarkey W, Dickinson S . Pain and wound healing in surgical patients. Ann Behav Med. 2006; 31(2):165-72. DOI: 10.1207/s15324796abm3102_8. View

Rosenberger P, Jokl P, Ickovics J . Psychosocial factors and surgical outcomes: an evidence-based literature review. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2006; 14(7):397-405. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200607000-00002. View

French S, Matt K, Moore M . The effects of stress on wound healing in male tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2005; 145(2):128-32. DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.08.005. View

Weinman J, Ebrecht M, Scott S, Walburn J, Dyson M . Enhanced wound healing after emotional disclosure intervention. Br J Health Psychol. 2008; 13(Pt 1):95-102. DOI: 10.1348/135910707X251207. View

Steptoe A, Wardle J, Pollard T, Canaan L, Davies G . Stress, social support and health-related behavior: a study of smoking, alcohol consumption and physical exercise. J Psychosom Res. 1996; 41(2):171-80. DOI: 10.1016/0022-3999(96)00095-5. View

Veldhuis J, Iranmanesh A . Physiological regulation of the human growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) axis: predominant impact of age, obesity, gonadal function, and sleep. Sleep. 1996; 19(10 Suppl):S221-4. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/19.suppl_10.s221. View

Kiecolt-Glaser J, Marucha P, Malarkey W, Mercado A, Glaser R . Slowing of wound healing by psychological stress. Lancet. 1995; 346(8984):1194-6. DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(95)92899-5. View

Doering L, Moser D, Lemankiewicz W, Luper C, Khan S . Depression, healing, and recovery from coronary artery bypass surgery. Am J Crit Care. 2005; 14(4):316-24. View

Yang E, Bane C, MacCallum R, Kiecolt-Glaser J, Malarkey W, Glaser R . Stress-related modulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression. J Neuroimmunol. 2002; 133(1-2):144-50. DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(02)00270-9. View

10.

Esterling B, Labate L, Murray E, Pennebaker J . Empirical foundations for writing in prevention and psychotherapy: mental and physical health outcomes. Clin Psychol Rev. 1999; 19(1):79-96. DOI: 10.1016/s0272-7358(98)00015-4. View

11.

Padgett D, Marucha P, Sheridan J . Restraint stress slows cutaneous wound healing in mice. Brain Behav Immun. 1998; 12(1):64-73. DOI: 10.1006/brbi.1997.0512. View

12.

House J, Landis K, Umberson D . Social relationships and health. Science. 1988; 241(4865):540-5. DOI: 10.1126/science.3399889. View

13.

Glaser R, Kiecolt-Glaser J, Marucha P, MacCallum R, Laskowski B, Malarkey W . Stress-related changes in proinflammatory cytokine production in wounds. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999; 56(5):450-6. DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.56.5.450. View

14.

Altemus M, Rao B, Dhabhar F, Ding W, Granstein R . Stress-induced changes in skin barrier function in healthy women. J Invest Dermatol. 2001; 117(2):309-17. DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.01373.x. View

15.

Farahani R, Sadr K, Soleimani Rad J, Mesgari M . Fluoxetine enhances cutaneous wound healing in chronically stressed Wistar rats. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2007; 20(3):157-65. DOI: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000262710.59293.6b. View

16.

Boeke S, Duivenvoorden H, Verhage F, Zwaveling A . Prediction of postoperative pain and duration of hospitalization using two anxiety measures. Pain. 1991; 45(3):293-297. DOI: 10.1016/0304-3959(91)90053-Z. View

17.

Hubner G, Brauchle M, Smola H, MADLENER M, Fassler R, Werner S . Differential regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines during wound healing in normal and glucocorticoid-treated mice. Cytokine. 1996; 8(7):548-56. DOI: 10.1006/cyto.1996.0074. View

18.

Ebrecht M, Hextall J, Kirtley L, Taylor A, Dyson M, Weinman J . Perceived stress and cortisol levels predict speed of wound healing in healthy male adults. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2004; 29(6):798-809. DOI: 10.1016/S0306-4530(03)00144-6. View

19.

Russell L . The importance of patients' nutritional status in wound healing. Br J Nurs. 2002; 10(6 Suppl):S42, S44-9. DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2001.10.Sup1.5336. View

20.

Cole-King A, Harding K . Psychological factors and delayed healing in chronic wounds. Psychosom Med. 2001; 63(2):216-20. DOI: 10.1097/00006842-200103000-00004. View