Mania and AIDS: a psychodynamic emphasis

Two cases of mania in homosexual men with AIDS are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the psychodynamic and psychosocial factors thought to be aetiologically significant. AIDS is seen both as an example of a terminal illness, and also as creating unique difficulties. It is suggested that integrative rather than reductionist thinking is needed in cases which under DSM-III-R would simply be classified as "organic mood disorder", that is, that all causal and contributory factors need to be considered in affective disorder occurring in the physically ill.