HIV/AIDS and mental disorders

Abstract

Despite advances in treatment that have resulted in decreased mortality and hospitalizations, and improved quality of life, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a life-long, life-threatening, infectious disease that requires ongoing medical intervention and monitoring as well as intervention to reduce risk of reinfection and transmission to others. Women with HIV face many challenges in obtaining medical care, accessing services, and dealing with life circumstances that often interfere with quality self-care. Women with HIV and mental illness face additional social, economic, and healthcare challenges that are different than those that occur for the general population, as well as an increased risk of infection and decreased ability to obtain proper treatment. © 2010 Springer-Verlag New York.