J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 1990; 2:241-252
Copyright © 1990 by American Neuropsychiatric Association
Psychoneuroimmunology and HIV infection
JM Gorman and R Kertzner
H.I.V. Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York.
Advances in the neurosciences and immunology provide a framework for
understanding how mental health status may be a co-factor in the
progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The authors
discuss the interrelatedness of the central nervous system and the immune
system, discuss the possible relevance of such connections to HIV
immunopathology, and review research that demonstrates the effect of
psychiatric and psychosocial factors on immunological status and medical
outcome. An application of psychoneuroimmunology to HIV infection warrants
careful consideration of the many complexities involved.
