Anxiety and the immune system: the modulation of benzodiazepines

Reviews the interaction between anxiety and the immune system and modulating effects of benzodiazepines. Research indicates that anxiety induces immune-inflammatory changes pointing toward the complex regulatory responses in interleukin-6 signalling, decreased anti-inflammatory capacity of the serum, and interactions with T cell and monocytic activation. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that the central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors together with their ligands form a network that contributes to the effects of anxiety on immune status.