Impact of bereavement on progression of AIDS and HIV infection: a review.

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.