Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, salivary cortisol, medication adherence, and CD4 levels in HIV-positive individuals.
Previous research has reported rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following diagnosis with a life-threatening disease ranging from 5 to 42%. However, few studies have examined the impact of PTSD symptoms on disease markers or adherence to medical regimens. The present study represents an initial examination of the relationships among self-reported PTSD symptoms stemming from diagnosis with HIV, CD4 cell counts, salivary cortisol levels and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 110 African-American and Caucasian individuals with HIV. Results revealed that the relationship between PTSD and disease progression is multifaceted: PTSD symptoms were related to worse adherence to HAART therapy, but were also associated with lower morning salivary cortisol levels and higher CD4 cell counts.
Delahanty
D L
DL
Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Akron, Ohio 44242, USA. ddelahan@kent.edu
Bogart
L M
LM
Figler
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015415:Biomarkers; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D006854:Hydrocortisone