Many individuals seek relief from symptoms associated with HIV infection through the use of integrative medicine. Symptoms include neuropsychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and headaches, as well as somatic disorders related to viral infection and immunodysregulation, such as fatigue, diarrhea, and cardiovascular problems. As antiretroviral treatments have become increasingly effective, symptom management with minimal side effects has become more important. A variety of integrative treatments, including botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbs, have been utilized, and mind–body approaches such as mindfulness, hypnosis, and movement therapy have been found to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. This chapter examines widely used integrative medicine approaches to alleviating distressing HIV-related symptoms. Implications for clinical practice are discussed. Integrative approaches emphasize self-management of symptoms and are widely sought after and accepted, even by patients who resist other forms of medical treatment.
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