Cognitive-behavioral stress management decreases dysphoric mood and herpes simplex virus-type 2 antibody titers in symptomatic HIV-seropositive gay men

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1997 Feb;65(1):31-43. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.65.1.31.

Abstract

This study tested the effects of a 10-week group cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention on mood and immunologic parameters in HIV-seropositive gay men whose disease had progressed to a symptomatic stage. Men were randomized to either CBSM or a modified waiting-list control group. The CBSM intervention significantly decreased self-reported dysphoria, anxiety, and total distress. Individuals who practiced relaxation more consistently had significantly greater drops in dysphoria. The intervention also decreased herpes simplex virus-Type 2 (HSV-2) immunoglobulin G antibody titers. The control group showed no significant changes in either mood or antibody titers. Individual difference analyses revealed that decreases in dysphoria significantly predicted lower HSV-2 antibody titers by the end of the 10-week period. Neither group displayed changes in HSV-Type 1 antibody titers or in CD4+ or CD8+ cell numbers.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / standards*
  • HIV Seropositivity* / complications
  • HIV Seropositivity* / immunology
  • HIV Seropositivity* / psychology
  • HIV Seropositivity* / therapy
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / immunology*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Relaxation Therapy / standards*
  • Stress, Psychological / immunology*
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral