Title: How psychological states affect the immune system. Subject(s): AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Psychology; IMMUNE system -- Psychological aspects Source: Health & Social Work, Nov96, Vol. 21 Issue 4, p287, 5pAuthor(s): Littrell, Jill Abstract: Discusses the premise that the psychological state affects the immune system with reference to the psychological state of persons with enhanced functioning immune states and those with suppressed immunity, HIV and AIDS. How stress affects the immune system; How psychological health assists the immune system; Advantages of intervention on the psyche and immune system of HIV and AIDS patients.Database: Academic Search EliteHOW PSYCHOLOGICAL STATES AFFECT THE IMMUNE SYSTEMImplications for Interventions in the Context of HIVResearch has established that psychological states can affect the immune system. This article discusses the psychological states associated with enhanced immune system functioning and those associated with suppressed immune functioning. Studies of psychological and behavioral interventions to boost the immune systems of people who are HIV positive, including people with AIDS, are reviewed. Suggestions are made for group interventions to enhance psychological states associated with better immune system function. Key words group work HIV/AIDS immune system psychological states Although medical social workers have always played a role in helping loved ones adjust to significant illness in a family member and in securing needed resources to pay for medical care (Furstenberg & Olson, 1984), a new role for mental health professionals in the care of those afflicted with disease has emerged. Data from the expanding area of psychoneuroimmunology show that how people feel and how people appraise their living situations can affect their immune systems via the white blood cells, which eliminate or incapacitate viruses, cancers, bacteria, and other microbes (Nee, 1995). Because mental he...
