Involuntarily detained HIV-infected patients in Sweden: reasons for referral and psychiatric diagnoses

The Swedish Communicable Diseases Act permits the isolation of an HIV-infected person if there is risk of disease transmission. The purpose is for the patient to receive the support needed to alter his or her attitude and behaviour so that the isolation can be terminated. This study describes the reasons for referral and the psychiatric diagnoses of 34 isolated HIV-infected patients. All patients who were isolated in Stockholm from 1986 to 1993 were included. Psychiatric data were collected from their psychiatric records. The most frequent reason for referral was unprotected sex with a partner who was not informed about the infection. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was amphetamine or opiate abuse. Drug users without delusions and immigrants with adjustment disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder had the shortest treatment periods. All patients belonged to underprivileged groups, were drug users or refugees. More effort is needed to teach these groups about HIV.