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.

×
Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.40.2.146

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and related disorders are increasingly and unsettlingly prevalent. The authors describe neuropsychiatric, psychosocial, and ethical-legal problems associated with HIV infection that are commonly encountered in a consultation-liaison psychiatry setting. Because of H1V's potential for undermining cognitive function, they recommend a systematic neurobehavioral assessment for the differential diagnosis of emotional disturbance, including a test battery that also identifies neurotoxic effects of pharmacological agents. Among significant psychosocial and ethical-legal problems are patients' reactions to AIDS, their fears of social abandonment, staff burnout, antibody testing, confidentiality, and the use of life-support measures. The consultation-liaison psychiatrist's awareness of the complexities of HIV-related neuropsychiatric symptoms and psychosocial issues can be of enormous benefit to medical caregivers and to the patients themselves.

Access content

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