Hamilton BC, Dufault E; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 780 (abstract no. D.536).
Bellevue Hospital/Community Health Project., NY, NY USA
OBJECTIVE: On the premise that personality coping styles are a co-factor in disease prognosis, we are assessing the effects of 3 biopsychosocial interventions on the stress levels and immune functioning of HIV+ patients. METHODS: 10 seropositive patients underwent an intensive 16-week intervention involving Bioenergetic Psychotherapy, Meditation designed to stimulate thymus gland activity & a structured Journal writing program. Each patient received a complete immune profile & biopsychosocial questionnaires at start, mid & end points with 6 month follow-up planned. Results compared to data collected from comparison group not receiving independent variable. RESULTS: Preliminary data suggest a trend toward enhancement of immune functioning noting, eg., correlations between overall mood profile including anxiety & depression, & such variables as cortisol and immunoglobulin levels. Therapeutic techniques used were successful in patients' learning individual stress management-therefore reducing each patient's overall stress levels as measured by thorough assessment profiles throughout the study. CONCLUSION: We anticipate finding a correlation between biopsychosocial interventions designed to promote stress reduction and positive, enhanced immune functioning. We further hope to show how these interventions can be successfully implemented in overall treatment protocols in the functioning of community-based AIDS Assessment Clinic Programs.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adaptation, Psychological
- Affect
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Hydrocortisone
- Meditation
- Psychotherapy
- Treatment Outcome
- methods
Other ID:
UI: 102180016
From Meeting Abstracts