title: The effect of relaxation interventions on cortisol levels in HIV-seropositive women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, assessed in terms of cortisol levels, may enhance the ability of HIV to infect lymphocytes and downregulate the immune system, accelerating disease progression. This study sought to determine the effects of relaxation techniques on cortisol levels in HIV-seropositive women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women (n = 150) were randomized to a group cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) condition or an individual information condition and underwent 3 types of relaxation training (progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, and autogenic training). Cortisol levels were obtained pre- and postrelaxation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Guided imagery was effective in reducing cortisol in the group condition (t = 3.90, P < .001), and muscle relaxation reduced cortisol in the individual condition (t = 3.1 I, P = .012). Among participants in the group condition attending all sessions, the magnitude of pre- to postsession reduction became greater over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that specific relaxation techniques may be partially responsible for cortisol decreases associated with relaxation and CBSM.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.forename: Mahendra
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Weiss
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001326:Autogenic Training; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone