MIND AND IMMUNITY: EXPLORING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN HIV AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS - A REVIEW

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu; Rihab Aref Alsadi

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v10i3.1358

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe.
Rihab Aref Alsadi Department of Pyschology, Alistiqlal University, Jericho- Palestine.

10.22270/ujpr.v10i3.1358

Keywords:

Depression, HIV, immune dysregulation, mental health, neuroinflammation

Abstract

HIV infection has long been recognized for its profound effects on the immune system, but growing evidence highlights its significant impact on mental health as well. Individuals living with HIV are disproportionately affected by psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). These mental health challenges not only arise from the psychosocial burden of chronic illness and stigma but are also rooted in the biological interactions between HIV and the central nervous system (CNS). The virus infiltrates the CNS early in infection, triggering a cascade of neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to neuronal damage and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Chronic immune activation, marked by elevated cytokines and systemic inflammation, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of mental health disorders in HIV-positive individuals. Conversely, psychological distress can impair immune function, reduce CD4+ T-cell counts, and undermine adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), thereby accelerating disease progression and compromising overall health outcomes.