The changing pattern of mental health problems in HIV infection: The view from London, UK

Abstract

As we end the second decade with AIDS, profound changes in our understanding of its aetiology, mechanism of disease and its treatment have led to significant improvements in survival, disease progression and quality of life for those individuals with HIV infection who are fortunate enough to have access to health care and to treatments for the infection and its complications. Unsurprisingly, the psychological and social consequences of HIV have also seen important shifts, giving rise to new and unforeseen difficulties, as well as a greater sense of hope. Here, some of the changes seen among people with HIV infection being looked after in a Central London teaching hospital and referred to the mental health services are reviewed and discussed.