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. 1997 Feb;12(3):1-4.

Psychoneuroimmunology: a basis for HIV treatment

J M Leiphart  1
Affiliations
  • PMID: 11364257

Psychoneuroimmunology: a basis for HIV treatment

J M Leiphart. Focus. 1997 Feb.

Abstract

AIDS: Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), the study of the impact of psychological factors on immunological diseases, has been studied in relation to AIDS in a flurry of research over the past 10 years. PNI research has shown that some psychological states lead to AIDS progression, while others improve immunity and survival. Some factors that affect these states include the degree of fatalism regarding HIV; the degree and duration of stress, grief, or depression; awareness of life purpose and goals; and self-assertive ability. Certain immune-suppressing factors, such as fear and panic regarding death, result from living during a public health crisis. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, report that fatalistic beliefs regarding HIV status are negatively associated with health outcome. Survival was shortest in study participants who were both fatalistic and recently bereaved. Further study found that fatalistic thinking and bereavement led to immune marker changes that are tied to AIDS progression. Researchers remain divided over whether PNI research findings should be applied to the treatment of HIV patients. HIV-related PNI programs have emerged in recent years at the University of Miami, the San Diego Lesbian and Gay Men's Community Center, and Harvard University.

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