Positive Health Online

Abstract

ANTONI, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, PO Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA, mantoni@miami.edu, has reviewed (85 references) stress management and psychoneuroimmunology in HIV infection. Abstract: Stress-management techniques such as relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, coping-skills training and interpersonal-skills training, may reduce anxiety, depression, and social isolation in HIV infected individuals by lowering physical tension and increasing a sense of self-efficacy and control. A psychoneuroimmunological model is proposed whereby these psychological changes are accompanied by an increased ability to regulate neuroendocrine function. This in turn may lead to a partial normalization of immune functions such a lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxicity, and thus provide more efficient surveillance of latent viruses that may contribute to increased HIV replication. Such a normalization of stress-related immune functions is thought to minimize increases in viral load and expression of clinical symptoms. From this model follows a research strategy for testing the effects of stress management interventions by assessing psychological changes in parallel with hormonal, immunological, viral. and clinical parameters over the course of time.

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References

Antoni MH. Stress management and psychoneuroimmunology in HIV infection. CNS Spectrum 8 (1): 40-51, Jan 2003.