The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
ArticleNo Access

Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of AIDS-Spectrum Disorders

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.37.2.135

Psychiatric symptoms among patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) may be functional reactions to contracting a fatal and stigmatizing disease or may be secondary to malignancies and opportunistic infections in the central nervous system (CNS). More recent evidence indicates that HTLV-III, the virus that causes AIDS, directly infects the CNS and may cause psychiatric symptoms before signs of immunodeficiency, cognitive impairment, or neurological abnormalities emerge. AIDS-related organic mental syndromes may mimic functional disorders such as chronic mild depression and acute psychosis. Both of these common presentations are illustrated with detailed case reports, and diagnostic and management guidelines are provided.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.