Characteristics of HIV-infected patients in an inpatient psychiatric setting

Psychiatric admissions of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) over a 5-year period (1986-1991) are reviewed. Ninety-one patients were studied. Suicidal thoughts/attempt was the most common reason for hospital admission. The two most common diagnostic categories were 1) organic mental syndrome, and 2) substance abuse/dependence. Forty-five percent of the patients either initiated their discharges or drastically improved without the use of psychotropic medications. The authors suggest that outpatient psychiatric facilities can provide psychiatric care for HIV-infected patients seeking it.