Psychoneuroimmunology and HIV infection: fact or fiction?

There is substantial empirical evidence from both healthy populations as well as individual with HIV infection, about the relationship among immune system, nervous system and psychological aspects. Current studies suggest that behavioral aspects (life styles), psychological aspects (stress control and coping strategies) and social aspects (social support) may influence the progression of HIV infection. This article presents a compilation of main issues related to HIV infection that contribute and support the psychoneuroimmunological approach.

Psychoneuroimmunology; HIV; AIDS