Behavioral and psychiatric aspects of HIV infection

Primary care physicians frequently care for patients who test positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. These patients often have concomitant behavioral and psychiatric problems that complicate their clinical care. Counseling before and after HIV testing provides the physician the opportunity for patient risk assessment and education about reducing transmission. Physicians should watch their HIV-infected patients closely for signs indicating mental status, and emotional or negative behavioral changes. Prompt recognition and early treatment are the best ways to diminish the impact of these changes on patients' lives and to improve their outlook and sense of well-being. Standard psychopharmacotherapy and careful attention to side effect profiles can help these patients maintain more constructive and positive lifestyles.