Psychological impact of structured treatment interruptions in patients with prolonged undetectable HIV-1 viral loads

• Published in: AIDS (London) Vol. 15; no. 14; pp. 1904 - 1906
• Main Authors: TULDRA, Albert, FUMAZ, Carmina R, FERRER, Ma José, PAREDES, Roger, ROMEU, Joan, RUIZ, Lidia, BAYES, Ramon, CLOTET, Bonaventura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 28-09-2001
• Subjects: AIDS/HIV; antiretroviral therapy; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Biological and medical sciences; Drug Administration Schedule; HIV Infections - drug therapy; HIV Infections - psychology; HIV-1 - isolation & purification; HIV-1 - physiology; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Quality of Life; RNA, Viral - blood; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Viral Load; Human; Immunopathology; Interruption; Volunteer; Patient; AIDS; Psychological effect; Immune deficiency; Infection; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Viral disease; Antiviral
• ISSN: 0269-9370; 1473-5571
• DOI: 10.1097/00002030-200109280-00030

Structured treatment interruption strategies may help overcome problems of highly active antiretroviral therapy, but might also represent a cause of stress. We present data that indicate a psychological benefit from structured treatment interruption. Although some disturbances appear at the resumption of therapy, no definitive problems are found that preclude such therapeutic approaches from a psychological perspective. However, a close follow-up of patients during interruption periods is advisable to avoid difficulties reported at treatment resumption presenting a risk to patients' health.