Goforth HW, Lowery J, Cutson TM, McMillan ES, Kenedi C, Cohen MA
Impact of Bereavement on Progression of AIDS and HIV Infection: A Review. [Journal Article]
Psychosomatics 2009 Sep-Oct; 50(5):433-9.
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is associated with bereavement and grief reactions brought about by the disease process itself and by the losses of loved ones.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this review is to assess the current literature regarding grief, HIV, and immunity.
METHOD: The authors reviewed applicable articles retrieved from a MEDLINE literature search with the search terms "bereavement/HIV," "grief/HIV," and "immunity/grief/HIV."
RESULTS: Data continue to emerge that suggest a profound role for bereavement in mediating HIV illness and the need to effectively deal with bereavement issues.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experience maladaptive grief show more rapid losses of CD4 T-cells over time, even when controlling for age, health status, use of antiretrovirals, and illicit drug abuse. This immune dysfunction may be managed by a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques.
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