Compiled byDr.Adhiraj S. Joglekar.

The field of psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI) says that relationships exist between stress, immunological impairment, and health outcomes. Accumulating evidence suggests that stress may hasten HIV disease and progression by increasing viral replication, suppressing immune response, and inducing deleterious health-related behaviors. A study carried out by Antoni et al at the Department of Psychology, University of Miami it was found that patients assigned to cognitive behavior therapy, a form of counseling/psychotherapy produced significantly greater numbers of T-cytotoxic/suppressor (CD3+CD8+) lymphocytes in 6 to 12 months as compared to those who not given the same.
There is substantial evidence from both healthy populations as well as individuals with cancer linking psychological stress with immune down regulation. Distress or depression is associated with two important processes for carcinogenesis: poorer repair of damaged DNA, and alterations in apoptosis.
The possibility that psychological interventions may enhance immune function and survival among cancer patients clearly merits further exploration, as does the evidence suggesting that social support may be a key psychological mediator. Studies reported above and others suggest that psychological or behavioural factors may influence the incidence or progression of cancer and HIV infection through psychosocial influences on immune function and other physiological pathways.