Impact of Bereavement on Progression of AIDS and HIV Infection: A Review

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease can cause 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 deal effectively with bereavement issues. Conclusions Patients who experience maladaptive grief show more rapid loss 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.