HIV

HIV sufferers helped by guided imagery

Patients with HIV often experience reduced quality of life due to their deficient immune system and, as a result, they often require a variety of treatments throughout the duration of their illness. However, guided imagery may offer some help.

A study by the Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, in the USA explored the effects of using guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation in sixty-nine people with HIV.

The HIV patients practised the guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation over a period of six weeks and it was found that their health status was significantly different following the treatment.

This study revealed that using the guided imagery produced the most positive effects and these were observed more so in those patients in the mid-stage of the disease rather than those in the more advanced stages.

This research suggests that using a combination of guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation techniques can help improve the health status of patients with HIV although it should be commenced as soon after the condition has been diagnosed as possible.

Source : Int J Nurs Stud 1999 Jun;36(3):223-33
Effects of cognitive-behavioral interventions on quality of life in persons with HIV. Eller LS

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