Alexithymia and acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Patients positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may resort to hibernation or unceasing hyperactivity to eject overpainful representations and affects. In these states overwhelming emotions can be at the origin of somatic disorders and can precipitate the onset of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. A psychotherapy such as relaxation which can relieve excessive emotional tension and stimulate the representation of emotions in words and images seems to me to be particularly suitable for these patients. This type of psychotherapy soothing and containing, helps them to give up their dangerous behavior and to become less vulnerable to the HIV.