Psychological investigation of genital herpes recurrence: Prospective assessment of cognitive-behavioral intervention for a chronic physical disorder.

Assessed factors associated with genital herpes and investigated the impact of psychological therapy on 16 patients who received 5 wks of structured discussion or cognitive restructuring (CR) group therapy. Measures of attitude about herpes, global coping, distress, loneliness, health locus of control, and recurrence were administered at pre- and posttreatment and at 3 mo follow-up. Information was extracted from daily self-reports regarding herpes symptoms, dysphoria, anxiety, and ongoing coping. Therapy did not produce expected reductions in distress or loneliness. CR, however, was associated with reduced frequency of lesion recurrence at follow-up. Avoidant coping was associated with lower recurrence rates, and loneliness scores with higher rates. Results show that recurrences were preceded by elevated anxiety independent of prodromal symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)