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Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
Psychiatric issues in the management of patients with HIV infection
G J Treisman1, A F Angelino, H E Hutton
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. glenn@jhmi.edu
Insights
Psychiatric disorders are common in people with HIV and can hinder medical care. A multidisciplinary approach improves treatment for these complex cases in HIV clinics.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- An estimated 1 million individuals in the U.S. are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Psychiatric disorders frequently co-occur with HIV infection.
- These mental health conditions can impede effective medical care, patient-clinician communication, and adherence to treatment regimens.
Observation:
- A complex case at The Johns Hopkins Hospital involved an HIV-positive patient with multiple psychiatric conditions.
- The patient's psychiatric comorbidities presented significant challenges to their overall health management.
- This case highlights a common scenario within HIV clinic populations.
Findings:
- Collaborative treatment by a multidisciplinary team, integrating medical and mental health professionals, was employed.
- A structured diagnostic and treatment strategy was developed for the patient.
- The case illustrates the practical application of integrated care models.
Implications:
- Comprehensive evaluation and integrated, multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing HIV patients with psychiatric comorbidities.
- A proactive and optimistic therapeutic approach is essential for successful patient outcomes.
- Addressing mental health barriers can optimize medical care and adherence in the HIV-positive population.
Abstract:
Approximately 1 million persons are now infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States. Evidence exists that psychiatric disorders are common in patients with HIV and that these patients may not receive optimal care because their psychiatric disorders are a barrier to medical care, communication with clinicians, and adherence to medical recommendations. We describe herein a complex case seen at The Johns Hopkins Hospital with several psychiatric conditions that are common in our HIV clinic population. We describe the collaborative treatment of the patient by a multidisciplinary team including both medical and mental health practitioners. We briefly describe a coherent diagnostic and treatment approach to patients in HIV clinics and the supporting rationale from the literature. We discuss the need for comprehensive evaluation, a multidisciplinary treatment team, and therapeutic optimism.
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